Jack Hanna was born on January 2, 1947, so as of February 2026 he is 79 years old.

Quick Scoop: How old is Jack Hanna?

  • Date of birth: January 2, 1947 (Knoxville, Tennessee, USA).
  • Current age (2026): 79 years old.
  • Who he is: A well-known American zoologist and TV wildlife personality, often nicknamed “Jungle Jack,” and former director of the Columbus Zoo.

Jack Hanna’s age isn’t just a number; it represents decades of wildlife advocacy, zoo leadership, and TV appearances that helped many people become curious about animals and conservation.

Latest news and health context

In recent years, public interest around “how old is Jack Hanna” has grown partly because of updates about his health and reduced public appearances.

Reports and family updates have noted that he has faced serious health challenges, which is why fans often check in on both his age and well-being.

Even as he has stepped back from the spotlight, many zoo and wildlife communities still reference his long career and lasting influence on animal conservation.

Why his age is a trending topic

  • Long TV career: For many people who watched animal shows in the 1990s and 2000s, it can be surprising to realize that Jack Hanna is now in his late seventies.
  • Legacy era: At 79, much of the conversation around him focuses on his legacy at the Columbus Zoo, his TV series, and how he inspired younger conservationists and animal professionals.
  • Nostalgia factor: Online forums and social posts often mix questions like “how old is Jack Hanna” with nostalgic memories of seeing him handle wild animals on talk shows and family TV programs.

Mini timeline of Jack Hanna

  1. 1947 – Born in Knoxville, Tennessee.
  1. 1978–1992 – Serves as director of the Columbus Zoo, helping turn it into a nationally recognized zoo.
  1. 1980s–2000s – Becomes a regular guest on major TV shows and launches series like Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures and Into the Wild.
  1. Later years – Steps back from public life while remaining widely recognized as a familiar face of wildlife TV and zoo conservation.

TL;DR: Jack Hanna is 79 years old as of 2026, having been born on January 2, 1947, and he remains widely known for his decades of work in zoos and wildlife television.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.