[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 19486]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JACK HANNA

  Mr. PORTMAN. Madam President, today I wish to honor ``Jungle'' Jack 
Hanna for his 35 years of service to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. 
Jack is a world-renowned conservationist, author, television 
personality, lifelong adventurer, and champion of the Columbus Zoo.
  In 1978, Jack Hanna joined a small zoo in Columbus, Ohio as the 
executive director. The challenges he faced as director were 
staggering. The zoo was outdated, the animals had little contact with 
the outside world, and the attendance was low. Jack worked to increase 
attendance by offering educational and entertainment programs at the 
zoo. Under his leadership, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium became the 
world-class facility it is today. The Columbus Zoo is a state-of-the-
art park with exceptional attractions such as Zoombezi Bay waterpark 
and Jungle Jack's Landing. The park has also expanded its reach outside 
of Columbus to include The Wilds near Cambridge, OH.
  Jack's work as a conservationist has saved endangered animals and 
habitats around the globe. He helped found Partners in Conservation, 
and is an active supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 
the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, and the SeaWorld Busch Gardens 
Conservation Fund.
  Jack was named director emeritus in 1992 of the Columbus Zoo but has 
continued to spur economic development and promote central Ohio since 
that time. Jack has made countless television appearances since 1983 on 
shows such as ``Good Morning America,'' the ``Late Show with David 
Letterman,'' FOX News programs, and CNN News programs. We still watch 
him today on his latest syndicated TV series, ``Jack Hanna's Into the 
Wild.''
  I have had the opportunity to meet with Jack over the years and have 
witnessed his genuine love of animals and wildlife firsthand. He is a 
passionate advocate for conservation, and his skill for sharing the 
majesty of nature has opened the minds of millions of readers, viewers, 
and listeners.
  The Columbus Zoo is an asset to central Ohio because of Jack Hanna's 
work and inspiration. I congratulate him on his service to our State.

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