POWELL, Ohio – Join the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in celebrating the man in khaki—Jungle Jack Hanna! In honor of Jack’s 40 years at the Columbus Zoo, the Zoo will offer special events and free activities included with the purchase of regular Zoo admission on Sept. 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. as part of Jack Hanna Weekend. Activities include:
- Jack Hanna Live on Stage!/Meet and Greets: Jungle Jack Hanna takes the stage with all of his animal friends at the Surfin’ Safari stage on Saturday, Sept. 8 and at the Water’s Edge Events Park on Sunday, Sept. 9. During his shows, Jack will share stories about his exciting travels and animal adventures. Shows will take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day, and Jack will also be available to meet guests after the 11 a.m. show both days.
- Jungle Jack’s Activities: Participate in fun Jack-themed activities and games all over the Zoo, including the #caughtinkhaki Photo Station, Jack Hanna’s Critter Corn Hole, Jungle Jack-O-Lantern and Jack Hanna’s Game of Chance.
- African Marketplace: Shop at the Water’s Edge Events Park between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 9 for hand-crafted artisan items. Purchases support the Columbus Zoo’s Partners In Conservation, which provides alternative economic opportunities for local people in Central Africa to conserve forests and wildlife.
- Buzzard Kings: Pulling inspiration from the great heartland music of Kansas City, the tradition of Memphis and the charm of Nashville, these four veteran rockers will take the stage for shows at the Zoo’s Conservation Lake Overlook at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. both days.
- Hanna-versary Character Meet and Greet and Rolling Celebration, presented by Donatos: The Zoo’s Character Ambassadors will don their khaki and strut their stuff around the Zoo for Meet and Greets and special Rolling Celebrations to celebrate Jungle Jack. Meet and Greets will take place each day at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The Character Ambassador Rolling Celebrations will take place both days at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Special Hanna-versary animal enrichment: The fun doesn’t stop with Zoo guests! Animal care staff will provide the animals at select habitats with special Jack-themed enrichment for the animals to enjoy.
The Zoo will also offer exciting deals during this weekend celebration, including $4 off Zoo-it-All wristbands and special discounts on select items at the Zoo’s gift shops.
Since being hired as the Zoo Director in 1978—and through his current role as Director Emeritus—Jack Hanna has led the Columbus Zoo to become a world-renowned education and recreational organization. His humility, charisma and superhuman energy have landed him appearances on Good Morning America, the Late Show with David Letterman and even his own Emmy® winning television programs. Jack has used these platforms to educate audiences across the world about conservation and protecting wildlife in wild places. The Columbus Zoo would not be what it is today without the efforts and visionary leadership of Jungle Jack Hanna over the last 40 years.
All Jack Hanna Weekend activities are weather permitting and subject to change without notice. For more information about Jack Hanna Weekend, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact; annually contributing $4 million of privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.
