Jack HannaTHE GUESTFrom humble beginnings working for a family veterinarian in his hometown of Knoxville, Jack Hanna has become one of the most recognizable faces in the field of wildlife conservation. In 1978, he became the director of the Columbus Zoo in Columbus, Ohio. He held the position until his frequent media appearances made him step down, although he retains the title of director emeritus.Since the 1980s, he and his animal ambassadors have become recurring guests on TV talk shows hosted by David Letterman, Ellen DeGeneres and Larry King, among others. His own syndicated TV series include “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures,” “Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown” and three-time Daytime Emmy Award winner “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild.”
IF YOU GO• What: Banana Ball• When: 6:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11• Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.• Admission: $75 general admission; $150 VIP package, including meet-and-greet with Jack Hanna at 5:30 p.m. and preferred parking• Age requirement: 21 and older• Phone: 423-643-5703• Website: chattzoo.org/events/banana-ballTHE BANANA SPLITThe second annual Banana Split Ball is an alternative event for younger guests and families who wish to support the zoo but can’t attend the Banana Ball later in the evening. From 2 to 4 p.m., guests receive zoo admission, animal encounters, face painting, treats and a special presentation by Banana Ball celebrity guest Jack Hanna. Tickets are $20 for adults and children.
In 1987, animal expert and TV host Jack Hanna visited the Chattanooga Zoo, which was just beginning a renaissance that would transform it from a dilapidated institution into a nationally accredited facility.
After giving a presentation about why zoos were important vehicles for raising awareness of conservation issues, Hanna offered fledgling Executive Director Dardenelle Long a statement of support that has stuck with her for almost a quarter century.
“He was so kind and encouraging, saying, ‘You can make this better,'” Long recalls. “You don’t get a chance to have someone like Jack Hanna tell you that very often. I was very blessed to meet him early on in my career because he’s always been an inspiration and always will be.”