I thought it was a million dollars. I wish I’d saved that little check. It wasn’t just the money. It was watching everything he did. And then he took me down the Knoxville zoo. Like a lot of zoos back then didn’t have veterinarians. Most of the zoos didn’t have… Read More
We had Old Diamond, one of the largest elephants. It came from a circus at Knoxville. I just never seen an elephant. I never forget the day we did that. They had alligators. I never seen an alligator. They had deer. We actually had a lot of deer, rabbits, things… Read More
Yeah, my first zoo would have to be obviously not a zoo necessarily, but our home on the farm with goats. And like a lot of young people, fishing the Creek. Fish in the toilet bowl, keeping them. My mother got upset when I put ducks in the tub. Like… Read More
When you’re 6 or 7 years old, milking cows. By the way, it sounds like I’m going back to the 1800s, but, I walked down the gravel road at eight years, six, I’m sorry, eight years old. Walked down the road over a mile by myself, off our farm to… Read More
He came out and checked our animals once every two months or whatever. I said, Dr. Roberts, I would like to go clean cages at your clinic. He goes, “Really?” He thought I’d last a day, I lasted five years. Every single day, every single summer. I got my first… Read More
Jack Hanna, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, 1947. Lived on a farm for many years and lived the dream of being a zookeeper. Read More
Did you ever go to any zoos as a kid?… Read More
I’d probably like most to be remembered to be part of that team that brought the St. Louis Zoo from show business to conservation, from a center of three shows to a large naturalistic exhibit with great breeding programs, research programs and a great staff. That’s probably my legacy is… Read More
It’s become much more complicated and much more restrictive. We didn’t have nearly the laws or restrictions to be aware of. It’s become more complicated. Probably a lot less fun. Read More
How would you like to be remembered within the zoo community?… Read More
Well basically a zoo is to bring people and animals together to inspire, excite, educate. That’s basic role of the zoo. And beyond that, a center for conservation, education, research. All the dimensions of the zoo, all of those things. But basically give people a chance to see animals up… Read More
What do you know about the profession that you devoted so many years of your life to?… Read More
What comes to mind?… Read More
Go for it. Read More
How would you describe the conventional zoos now?… Read More
What would you like to see them become in the future?… Read More
What is a zoo for?… Read More
Do you think you have an opinion of why that didn’t catch on?… Read More
No, I don’t think I have opinion. But I think a national park, it seems pretty lofty. I guess the zoos are limited in how much fundraising they can do and it’s easier to get people to give money where they can see the results in their own community. But… Read More
Any suggestions for those aspiring to make a difference in the zoo world?… Read More