Know Before You Go

Before you arrive at the Zoo, plan your day by knowing the many special animal experiences available throughout the park. Special experience schedule.   Please note that schedules are subject to change.

Jack Hanna, Knight In Shining Khaki

  • Jack Hanna’s in the house.

    There is nothing that Jack loves more than visiting with guests at the Zoo. Several times a year Jack does fun and educational programs for Zoo visitors.

  • Global influence.

    Jack is a fierce advocate of animals everywhere, and a tireless champion for their care and protection.

  • Bringing animals to late night audiences.

    In 1985, Jack first appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman – and the two have been teaching late night audiences about amazing animals ever since.

  • Jack celebrates cultures from all over the world.

    From Columbus to South Africa, Jack and his family enjoy experiencing new cultures and the animals that live around them.

Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus

From the day he was hired as Director in 1978, Jack Hanna’s humble attitude, charismatic personality and superhuman energy drove his vision to transform an aging collection of pens and buildings into the world-class education and recreational organization the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has become.

His memorable appearances on Good Morning America and the Late Show with David Letterman, as well as his own Emmy® winning TV programs, have provided Jack and the Columbus Zoo the platform to educate a global audience about the natural world.

While is he now retired, the diverse animals, habitats, and immersive experiences that define today’s Columbus Zoo would not exist without the efforts and visionary leadership of America’s favorite zookeeper, Jack Hanna, and his commitment to making the world a better place for people and wildlife.

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Interactive Zoo Timeline

Explore Jack Hanna’s contributions to our history of wildlife care and conservation and his leading role in the transformation of the Columbus Zoo.

  • Don’t know Jack?

    Where was he born? How did he go from unpaid vet’s assistant to global icon for wildlife conservation? Where can you see him in person? All Jack’s facts, in one place.

  • Yard work can wait.

    Spend your Saturdays sharing Jack’s most amazing animal encounters and enlightening moments. The best of the best of Jack’s adventures starts here.

  • Follow adventure, not a script.

    You never know where Jack and Suzi Hanna will take you next. But it’s always worth the trip when you go Into the Wild.

Share Jack's world.

Where Jack goes, adventure follows. So can you:
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