Clinton Township – Animal expert “Jungle Jack” Hanna is one of the most visible and respected ambassadors between the human and animal worlds. His hands-on approach and insight into the public’s appreciation of wildlife have won him widespread popular acclaim as Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, conservationist, author; television personality and lifelong adventurer. Now see him and all of his animal friends, live and in person at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts Saturday, February 20, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. For tickets call 586.286.2222.
Jack’s passion for wildlife stems from his early childhood. Having cultivated a love for animals on the family farm, Jack spent his teenage summers helping the local veterinarian by cleaning animal cages. After graduating from Muskingum College, Jack and his wife, college sweetheart Suzi, opened Pet Kingdom, a successful pet store and petting zoo. From there it was only a few years until Jack became director of the Central Florida Zoo.
Jack took flight in 1978 when he received the opportunity of a lifetime: directorship of the Columbus Zoo in Ohio. The zoo was struggling and in sore need of rejuvenation when Jack arrived on the scene and transformed the floundering establishment into the state-of-the-art zoo it is today. His keen understanding of public relations sparked this remarkable turnabout.
Jack took his infectious energy to the airwaves by creating two of his own nationally syndicated television programs Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures and most recently Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild. Recognized around the country as America’s favorite zookeeper, Jack has made countless television appearances since 1983 on shows such as Good Morning America, CNN’s Larry King Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Fox News Programs and the Late Show with David Letterman.
A dynamic orator, Jack now enjoys speaking tours across the country, sharing his globetrotting experiences and enlightening thousands of people through his special window into the animal world.
Ticket prices range from $17 to $52 with discounts available for students, senior citizens, military personnel (both active and retired with a valid military I.D.), and groups of 20 or more. Purchase tickets in person at the Macomb Center box office Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Friday 12 - 6 p.m. The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is located on Macomb College's Center Campus at 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, Michigan 48038. Tickets and additional information, including a complete season schedule, are available online at www.MacombCenter.com or by calling 586.286.2222.
Jungle Jack Hanna is sponsored in part by Christian Financial Credit Union, Buddy’s Pizza and the Macomb Center’s premiere sponsors for the 2009-2010 season AT&T, The Macomb Daily and National City.
About the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts
The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is a community enrichment program of Macomb College dedicated to providing a diverse range of family-oriented cultural enrichment experiences. The Macomb Center presents high-quality professional performances, offers educational outreach in the arts and, in partnership with the adjacent Albert L. Lorenzo Cultural Center, creates unique opportunities for multifaceted cultural programming.
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Details-at-a-glance:
Jungle Jack Hanna
Saturday, February 20, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Macomb Center for the Performing Arts
44757 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township 48038
586.286.2222 | www.MacombCenter.com
Tickets: $17 to $52
Discounts available for students, seniors, military personnel, and groups of 20 or more
Media contact:
Sandy Hazelton-Pianko
586.226.4737
hazelton-piankos@macomb.edu