By Marjorie Stoneman
Contributor
Jack Hanna, a popular TV guest and wildlife expert, shared his passion for animals from throughout the world with local and area residents earlier this month.
Joining Hanna were several animals – and handlers – allowing audience members of all ages an up-close view of a cheetah, a snow leopard, a palm civet, penguin, a serval, a sloth, an armadillo, an albino porcupine, a lemur, and an echidna.
During the “Wild Safari” show Hanna provided anecdotes about the animals for audience members and shared his experiences with them. In addition to interesting facts, Hanna, also talked about their habitats.
In a preshow interview, Hanna said his goal in taking these animals with him for shows throughout the United States was to “touch the heart and teach the mind.” He said he believes that if people see a living creature, then they will be involved with that animal.
Hanna talked about feeling encouraged with the next generation because of the activities they’re taking part in such as recycling. He also said kids need to breathe fresh air and feel the leaves under their feet.
Not surprisingly, Hanna is a an advocate for zoos and the education that goes on in such venues, telling audience members that the largest recreational activity in America is going to zoos and the aquarium.
One statistic he shared is that 98 percent of zoo animals come from other zoos. In addition to educating the public, zoos also provide opportunities for some animals to be released into the wild.
“I dreamed about being a zookeeper,” Hanna said.
The event, brought to the city by Downtown Whitewater and held in the Hamilton Center at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, featured two show, both of which were nearly sold out.
“Because of our partnership with UW-Whitewater, we are thrilled to provide a high-quality venue, free parking, and two smaller shows, which should allow for some great viewing,” Tamara Brodnicki, Executive Director for Downtown Whitewater said in a press release the day of the event.
The event was a fundraiser for Downtown Whitewater – a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization devoted to “preserving, improving and promoting Whitewater’s quality of life by strengthening our historic downtown as the heartbeat of the community.”
Proceeds will be used to replenish Downtown Whitewater’s Façade Renovation Fund and for streetscape improvements suggested by an upcoming streetscape study provided by the UW–Madison graduate school of landscape architecture.
Sponsors included: UW-Whitewater, the Kachel Family and Commercial Bank, The Scharine Group, First Citizens State Bank, Whitewater Tourism Council, the Hunter Family, the Zaballos Family, Whitewater Banner, Bakery Tilly, Ron and Marilyn Binning, Mu Kappa Tau, Mirage Hair Studio, Richard Helmick, Linda Long, Joe Jaquess, and Fero’s Auto and Towing Service.
Chartwell’s, Holiday Inn Express Hotels and Suites, Kim and Blake Scharine and Bill Bowen/GoStrive provided in-kind support.
More about Hanna
Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Hanna grew up loving to work with animals of all kinds. By the age of 11 he was working for his family’s veterinarian, cleaning cages and assisting in caring for a variety of animals. He attended Muskingum College and majored in business where he met his wife, Suzi. After graduation they opened a pet shop and petting zoo.
Hanna wanted to pursue his dream of working at a zoo and in 1978 he became the director of the rundown Columbus Zoo in Columbus, Ohio. He began to receive national attention after transforming the zoo into a model facility and by using his media savvy skills to turn the zoo into a household name.
In 1983 Hanna appeared on Good Morning America to educated people across the nation about animals. By 1992, media appearances were taking up so much time that he resigned from his position as director at the Columbus Zoo but became Director Emeritus, a position he still holds today.
In 1993, Hanna became host of “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures” television series show. In 2007, he started a new series, “Jack Hanna’s into the Wild.” He was awarded two Emmy’s for Outstanding Children’s Series in 2008 and 2012. His newest show, “Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown” airs Saturday mornings.
For more information about Hanna visit www.jackhanna.com.
For more information about Downtown Whitewater call (262) 473-2200 or visit www.downtownwhitewater.com.
