Jungle Jack: My Wild Life

by Jack Hanna

Jungle Jack is the completely revised and updated authorized biography of one of our most beloved zookeepers, Jack Hanna.
When the Columbus Zoo hired Jack Hanna as executive director in 1978, he inherited an outdated zoo where all the animals were caged and the buildings were run down. With the kind of work ethic and enthusiasm he's become known for, Hanna brought new life to the zoo, transforming it into the state-of-the-art facility it is today. It was an achievement for which he was well Hanna was only eleven years old when he got his first job with animals-cleaning cages for the family vet. As a newlywed, he and his wife, Suzi, ran a pet shop and petting zoo, and he later worked for a wildlife adventure outfit. You've probably seen Hanna as a wildlife correspondent with his animal friends on The Late Show with David Letterman, Larry King Live, Entertainment Tonight, and Hannity & Colmes . Full of unpredictable animal escapades and the occasional tragedy, this book takes readers on an enjoyable safari through the life of "Jungle" Jack Hanna.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Wildlife, Nature, Biography Memoir

243 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2008

Reviews

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to see that Jack Hanna (one of my idols) had written another non-fiction book for adults. I discovered "Monkeys on the Interstate", his first memoir from the late 1980's, a few years ago at our local library and I loved it. Sadly, more than half the content in this book is lifted almost word for word from that first tome. Granted, the first book covered such a large portion of his life that he would have to retell some of the stories, but he brings no new light to the retold tales. Some of the stories that would have taken up several pages in the first book are condensed to a few choppy paragraphs, which also causes frustration. I know there's more to the story, but Hanna just isn't giving it.
I did enjoy reading the more up-to-date portions of this book, which include his television shows (Emmy winners!) and his travels to Rwanda. He had covered a bit of a journey to the country in "Monkeys on the Interstate", describing a trek to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas of the region. Now Hanna and his family have apparently developed a special relationship with the Rwandan people, spending time with President Kagame and even building a house there in which to stay on their visits.
All in all, I enjoyed the book because of the fun stories and Hanna's pleasant narrative style. The addition of several color photos was also a plus. I am glad that I received this book as a gift, though, instead of paying full price for it. If I had, I think I would be a little frustrated with myself for paying for so much of a book that I already have.

[(Rebekah Franks) The Book Annelid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best non-fiction book I have ever read. Jack Hannas autobiography shares beautiful, hilarious, and realistic insight into the world of zoos, conservation, the animals, and how he got there. The whole book is filled with highlighted lines that I loved and gave me a glimpse into my future in the zoo world. Not only does Hanna care deeply about the animals, he cares about making others care just as much for them.

[Joe Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Columbus native and Jungle Jack's Zoo Kids alumnus, I've always had a special admiration for America's favorite zookeeper. Jack Hannah's autobiography not only reaffirmed my adoration for this local hero but also serves as a beautiful portrait of the American Dream. This man's journey from a simple Tennessee boy who wanted to take his donkey to college to becoming one of the most renowned and respected names in the world of conservation and animal awareness will inspire anyone. His success, in fact, is only outshone by his humility. If I become half the man Jack Hannah is I will be proud of my character.

[Brett Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

A polished but very readable autobiography by Jack Hanna. The stories of general animal hijinx as he rehabilitated and promoted the zoo in the 70s and 80s were very entertaining. A trip to the Columbus Zoo is in my very near future!

[Caroline Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a phenomenal guy. My childhood dream of being a zookeeper is back.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I led a sheltered life. A friend asked me to go with her to hear Jack Hanna speak and I agreed, wanting to keep her company, but never having heard of the man. I got the book because it was autographed.

Wow! His talk was amazingly informative and amusing at the same time. I watched a couple of his programs on television and enjoyed them, too.

This book sounds like him -- I could hear his voice in my head. However, what moves it into the five-star realm for books is the man's passion which shines in this book. His tireless efforts have obviously increased awareness of the fragility of the continued existence of some species. What impressed me most was that he cares about people, too. He is obviously a man of faith (explaining why Thomas Nelson published the book) and he acts to better the lives of those who need it.

I am happy I bought this book and read it.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I have always admired Jack Hanna's energetic dedication to improving the Columbus Zoo, and I have enjoyed watching him on television. However, until I read this book for one of my book groups, I had no idea how "wild" his life has been. His book is filled with fascinating stories about adopting animals, rescuing animals, caring for animals, transporting animals, and observing animals in their natural habitats around the world. Many are funny, some are frightening, and a few are heartbreaking. I highly recommend this entertaining and inspirational autobiography, especially if you grew up visiting the Columbus Zoo, as I did.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Jack Hannah at an Earth Festival & have been a fan of his for many years. I love his passion for animals & his sense of humor which is also evident in this book. I love his honesty about mistakes & things he experienced on his life's journey. As a volunteer at the zoo, it was interesting to hear the stories about the Columbus Zoo (some things good & bad I will never get out of my head)! I would give the book 5 stars, but for some reason it took me longer to read it than I would have expected. I definitely recommend it & may even read certain chapters again that made me laugh out loud!!

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

We got to see him when he was at Columbus Zoo and he autographed our copy of the book. I love the story about how he wanted his wife to breast feed a sick chimp. He tells some very funny stories about his life and especially after he came to Columbus. I am very glad he came to this zoo, it is an awesome zoo and he has done such a great job. My middle girl loves him so much she dressed up as him for her Halloween party at school. She even took some "animals" with her. I would laugh out loud at some of his experiences and was glad he was around to help.

[Halle Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jungle Jack
By Jack Hanna
Autobiography
243 pages

Jungle Jack is a collection of stories about helping animals and people. It was funny and i learned SO much from it. Jack Hanna is truly a caring person whom devotes a lot of his time animals and helping others. He has quite a sense of humor and I think anyone who enjoys animals would LOVE this book.

I gave this book 4 stars because I learned so much about Jack Hanna and how tough it is to run a zoo. This was also funny. There were a few dry parts but overall i enjoyed it! Sometimes I couldn't put it down!!!

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

You either like this kind of book or you don't.
That's why they keep books like these in a seperate room on a special shelf.
It's not literature by any stretch.
But, I love this guy. And I secretly wish I had his life (not so secret anymore).
His daughter Julie was in my class in school and they brought baby tiger cubs in to help destress us during finals. Love them! Great family.
Fast read. Read it cover to cover one rainy day.

[Robin Sloan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy with everything about this book. It was refreshing [and oddly comforting] to listen to the intelligent and capable side of a man that has spent his career being goofy and fun. A career like his couldn't have been built without passion and a lot of luck, and all of that comes through in this book. I read it in a day during a long drive to the beach and have come back to it time and time again as my love for zoology has grown.

[Stacy Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

the first half of this book was from his previous book "Monkeys on the interstate", the second half was new information. I really enjoyed seeing what Jack has done the past few decades... He may not be much of a info guy, but he knows how to get money for the zoos and knows how to get money for conservation!!

[Jacque · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a long time Columbus zoo member I found the stories and history of the zoo to be very interesting. I have had the opportunity to meet Jack Hanna and watch one of his shows. He was very kind to all of the children and stayed until they all received an autograph. I was very impressed with him and decided to read his book.

[Kristjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It doesn't hurt that I live in Columbus, Ohio, so I am quite familiar with the area and the Columbus Zoo. But I had no idea that they had giant pandas here just 2 years before I first came to Ohio. Anyway, lots of interesting stories, but Jack also shares openly some very personal stories.

[Judi Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a joy to read not only as an animal lover, but for one who loves funny stories. My pleasure was greatly increased because of actually meeting Jack Hanna and being able to visit the animals and trainers backstage before a live show.

[Kathleen Botley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

I am from Columbus, and I feel that Jack Hanna has brought the Columbus Zoo and Columbus, in general. This book is a testimony of the dedication that he has to our zoo.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Hanna is my hero, first and foremost. Reading this autobiography of him is written so well that I could hear him saying it directly to me. His wittiness and humor go through out the book and his life is so captivating with all his animals stories. LOVE!

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Believe it or not, had to read this one for my job.

[Vickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always loved Jungle Jack. this was an interesting aoutobiography.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best autobiography I've ever read. No joke! Jack Hanna is my new celebrity boyfriend (sorry Clive Owen.)

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of fun and funny experiences; but also shows what on e good-hearted man can do.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Hanna's life story. An incredibly interesting, non-stop, adventure. It is a must read for any fan or animal lover.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable book about Jack Hanna and his adventures with animals both in the wild and in zoos. Starts from the beginning of his career.

[Sheila]

The book is very interesting and tells of Jack's rise to the best zoo man there is

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who enjoys wild animals and zoo life will enjoy this read. Documenting many interesting animal stories and family stories also.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

very funny, very jack, excellent1

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was at a local garage sale, when I came upon this book. It was in great condition, almost new, in fact, and was priced at a bargain of 50¢. Normally, I wouldn't have bought a book like this. Though I find autobiographies/biographies interesting, it really depends on who it's about and how I'm feeling on the day. I put it back in the pile before coming back five minutes later and purchasing it.

I'm actually a ZooAide (teen volunteer) at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and I've been volunteering there for the past two summers. (I've actually accumulated over 200 hours volunteering! Sorry for the humble brag, but I just had to mention it.) I love going to the zoo every week; I find that the meal discounts, the friends I've made, and how great it looks on college applications are only perks to the oppurtunity of learning more about animals. Volunteering there is an amazing experience, and I do my best to better myself every day. Basically, I picked this up in order to learn more about the zoo I love so much.

I thought Jungle Jack: My Wild Life was an enjoyable, informative read, perfect for anyone interested in learning about the man who made the Columbus Zoo all it came to be. If you live in Ohio or have been to the zoos few times, I would highly recommend this book. But if you don't have any interest in Hanna, the zoo, or animals in general, for at least 60% of this book you'd be more than mildly bored.

The only time I was a bit dissatisfied was during the tail end, as when Hanna spoke of Rwanda, Montana, and his family, I became a bit bored. This isn't his fault at all (I have a horrible attention span for nonfiction), and when I forced myself to concentrate I really enjoyed those chapters as well.

This book also brought to my attention how much the zoo does for conservation. Even though I volunteer there, I hadn't been fully aware of how much time/effort/money goes to such worthy causes.

All in all, a great read. Thanks, Jungle Jack!!

[Teresa Biggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book... it was an easy read and very light on depth. He made sure not to be very controversial.

I will say I laughed in every chapter... his stories are very funny and he is not afraid to tell the stuff that is funny about him. I had heard he " built " the Columbus zoo but did not know what that meant really. In the past , my favorite zoo was the National Zoo but after moving to Ohio, the Columbus zoo is way better than the National Zoo. The world has come a long way from being to able to order just about an animal you want and someone would just go out and catch one and ship it to you and you with no training or laws could have a lion or a cobra as a pet.
jack worked very hard for his life , yes he traveled extensively but he admits in the end, he missed a lot of his children's lives growing up. He left them behind with grandparents while he filmed in exotic locations. His wife Suzi should write a book about how she really felt about all those animals she had to bottle feed and that he brought home.

[Diane Busch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! As an animal lover all my life, I have followed Jack over the years on t.v. It was so fun to read about his life, his family, his work, and all his adventures. I’ve often teased “why couldn’t he have been my dad?” when I see the amazing experiences his daughters (and now his grandchildren) have had.
In this book, Jack shares many of the “behind-the-scenes” struggles, challenges and hurdles he has encountered during his interesting life and career. He also reveals a little bit about his faith in God. His life has been remarkable and His experiences vast. His hard work and dedication to conservation, education, research, and rehabilitation for the good of the animal kingdom is commendable.
By the end of the book it feels as if we’re friends and I would greatly enjoy a dinner around his campfire with his family in Montana.