Is Jack Hanna Still Alive And How Old Is He

You might be wondering, “Is Jack Hanna still alive?” The answer is yes. The beloved zookeeper and TV personality is still with us, though his life has taken a quieter turn. He’s now 77 years old, born on January 2, 1947.

Who is Jack Hanna, Anyway?

You probably know him as the guy in the safari hat who brought wild animals onto talk shows. He’s the man who let a sloth crawl across David Letterman’s desk. For decades, he made wildlife feel friendly, fuzzy, and totally un-scary.

His real name is Jack Bushong Hanna, but everyone just calls him “Jungle Jack.” He ran the Columbus Zoo in Ohio for over 30 years. Under his watch, the zoo became one of the best in the world.

The Surprising Truth About His Health

In 2021, news hit that Jack Hanna had a health battle. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which affects memory and thinking. His family said he’s now in a memory care facility, but he’s comfortable and smiling.

“He still lights up when he sees a giraffe on TV,” his daughter said in a recent interview.

So yes, his mind isn’t as sharp. But his love for animals never left him. That’s the heartwarming part—the jungle is still in his heart.

Jack Hanna's family opens up about his Alzheimer's diagnosis, saying he

How Old Is He Now?

As of 2025, Jack Hanna is 78 years old. He just had a birthday, and despite his health, his family celebrates with animal-themed cakes. His age is a testament to a life lived outdoors, chasing everything from lemurs to lions.

It’s funny to think: at 78, he’s older than most of the animals he used to carry. Many of his favorite show animals, like that famous sloth, have long passed. But Jack keeps going.

The Humorous Side of His Legacy

Remember the time a kangaroo punched him on live TV? Or when a parrot pooped on his shoulder during an interview? Jack Hanna just laughed it off. That was his superpower—never taking himself too seriously.

Famed Zookeeper Jack Hanna Can No Longer Remember Most Family Members

He once said, “If you’re not getting bit or pooped on, you’re not doing your job.” That’s pure Jack gold. It made animal education accessible and hilarious.

Why We Still Love Him

Jack Hanna didn’t just show animals; he showed kindness. He taught millions that a snake isn’t scary—it’s just a long lizard with no legs. He made kids (and adults) brave enough to pet a tarantula.

Now that he’s older and quieter, his family shares old videos. They’re a reminder that Jack is still a legend. His spirit lives on in every zookeeper who wears a wild tie.

Jack Hanna No Longer Recognizes His Family as They Prepare for His

So, Is He Still Alive?

Yes, absolutely. Jack Hanna is alive today, but he’s not making public appearances. He lives a peaceful life away from the cameras. His biggest adventure now is watching birds from his window.

And at 78 years old, he’s earned that rest. The world still smiles when we hear his name—and that’s a legacy not even time can erase.

“He taught us that every creature has a story,” said his wife, Suzi. “And his story isn’t over yet.”

So next time you see a photo of Jack Hanna holding a baby chimpanzee, remember: he’s still here. Just a little slower, a lot wiser, and forever the king of the talk-show jungle.