Animal expert Jack Hanna to return to WHBPAC

Jack Hanna has seen it all. As one of the world’s most famous wildlife experts, he has spent the last three decades traveling to dozens of countries, appearing on nearly every television network, and entertaining crowds numbering in the thousands. But through all of his experiences, from the jungles of Rwanda to the waters off the coast of Fiji, the animal-loving naturalist said in a recent interview that his focus has always remained the same—educating people.

“It’s about people, not just animals,” Mr. Hanna said this week, speaking on his cell phone from the mountains of Montana. “We talk about people. If we can’t teach people about conservation, then the animals don’t have a chance.”

And Mr. Hanna said he’s looking forward to bringing his message to the people whose natural habitat is the East End when he comes to the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center for two shows on Saturday, July 18.

“I’ve been to over 300 theaters throughout this country and Europe,” he said. “But I love the smaller ones because I can relate to the audience much more.”

Saturday will mark a return appearance at the PAC for Mr. Hanna, who performed in Westhampton Beach in the summer of 2007.

Since then, he has traveled to such countries as Rwanda, Australia, Tasmania, Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa, among others.

This weekend, he will present two 90-minute shows that will draw upon those travels—one at 4 p.m. and another at 7 p.m.

Mr. Hanna said Saturday’s shows would feature a variety of live animals, including a wallaby, cheetah, armadillo, penguin, and sloth, among others, as well as recent clips from his syndicated television show, “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild.” He said many of the clips would feature people who have worked to save endangered animals, such as sea turtles and elephants.

And Mr. Hanna certainly knows people. The former pet shop owner directed a small zoo in Sanford, Florida, in the early 1970s before being named director of the Columbus Zoo in 1978. While in Columbus, he worked toward expanding the educational and entertainment programming at the zoo.

In 1983, he was invited to appear on “Good Morning America” following the birth of baby twin gorillas at the Columbus Zoo—and he has been a regular guest and wildlife correspondent on the ABC morning program ever since.

Two years later, in 1985, Mr. Hanna appeared on “The Late Show” with David Letterman for the first time. More than two decades later, he is still a regular guest on “The Late Show” several times each year.

Mr. Hanna expanded his media appearance and educational initiatives, and has since been a featured guest on “Larry King Live,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “Hollywood Squares,” “The Maury Show,” and “Entertainment Tonight,” as well as programs on Fox News and CNN.

In 1993, he became the host of “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures,” a nationally syndicated television series. After more than a decade on “Animal Adventures,” he started a new series, “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild.” The unscripted series began airing in October 2007, and is still on the air today. In June 2008, “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild” was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Series.

In September 2008, Mr. Hanna released the newest book in his children’s series, “Passport Into the Wild.” He has also recently released his new autobiography, “Jungle Jack: My Wild Life.”

But Mr. Hanna is eager to boast about the Columbus Zoo’s recent achievements, too. In June, USA Travel Guide rated the destination the country’s top zoo, an honor usually reserved for the San Diego Zoo.

Even so, Mr. Hanna said last week that the most exciting thing in his life right now has nothing to do with his work.

“I have a grandson, Jack,” he said. “And that’s great, because before he was born, the only thing named after me was a rabbit.”

Jungle Jack Hanna will bring his show and some animal friends to the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center at 4 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. Tickets are $30, $45, or $55, available by calling 288-1500 or by visiting www.whbpac.org. Complimentary Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream will be served between performances, and representatives of Bideawee will be at the show with animals that are in need of adoption.