[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 27 (Monday, March 6, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S1781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONTRIBUTIONS OF JACK HANNA

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, from the tender days of his youth growing 
up in Knoxville, Jack Hanna knew he was destined to work with animals. 
His commitment seemingly knew no limits as he would eagerly climb 
aboard public buses to nurture his budding interest by working at a 
local animal clinic for a meager $10 a week.
  Yet back then, even he probably couldn't sense that his unique 
passion would one day blossom and inspire him to a career as an 
acclaimed author, television host and animal conservationist who would 
touch the lives of millions.
  After stops at Muskingum College and then Florida, it wouldn't be 
long before the man now affectionately nicknamed ``Jungle Jack'' was 
serving as executive director of the Columbus Zoo in Ohio. When he 
first arrived, the zoo was in poor shape. Attendance sagged, and the 
animal habitats were outmoded.
  Yet over time, molded by his steady hand, the zoo was gradually 
revitalized and restored. And with Hanna at the helm, the Columbus Zoo 
grew into the world-class facility it is today.
  He maintains a relentless travel schedule--wearing a beaten path to 
exotic locales all over the globe. But no matter whether he is visiting 
with the bears and whales in the frigid arctic or the cheetahs in the 
lonesome wild of Africa, he remains fueled by a genuine love of animals 
and a deep passion for sharing the majesty of nature with children and 
adults in communities throughout the world.
  No matter whether an animal prowls, stomps, slithers or crawls, Jack 
Hanna craves the opportunity to share its unique importance with any 
and all who will listen. He is a fervent advocate for conservation, and 
his efforts have broadened the horizons of untold millions of readers, 
listeners and viewers.
  While Jack Hanna is no stranger to big name stages--he is a regular 
on mainstream media shows like ``Good Morning America'' and ``The Late 
Show with David Letterman''--it is not the fame or excitement that has 
drawn him onto TV and into the homes of millions of Americans. Rather, 
it is the opportunity to educate people across the Nation about the 
magic and wonder of the animal kingdom.
  He rejects the notion of his celebrity, insisting he serves only as 
an ``ambassador for animals in the wild.''
  Not surprisingly, Hanna's altruism extends far beyond animal 
interests. He is passionate about addressing the needs of the human 
condition as well. He has shown a true commitment to helping 
communities in some of the most impoverished and war-torn regions of 
the world. During a recent taping in Rwanda, he reminded fans that ``if 
you don't help the people first, you won't be able to help the animals, 
either.''
  Just last December he made a point of halting his manic travel 
schedule to share his love of animals with patients at the Walter Reed 
Medical Center right here in suburban Washington, DC. His eager and 
youthful style was a tremendous hit among the troops. The visit shared 
the healing presence of animals and buoyed some of our Nation's finest 
men and women's spirits.
  The Knoxville News Sentinel aptly describes Jack as ``a whirlwind of 
activity, always on the go.'' But looking beyond his busy exterior, it 
is clear to all that Jack Hanna is a man of deep humility and genuine 
compassion.
  His work has heightened appreciation for untold numbers of animal 
species from all regions of the world. And his efforts have enriched 
the lives of humans and animals alike. He is a special individual and 
an embodiment of the Tennessee volunteer spirit.

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