WS Chronicle

The Davidson County Community College Zoo and Aquarium Science Club will host America’s favorite zookeeper, “Jungle” Jack Hanna.

He will give a presentation that will include a variety of animal species at 7 p.m. on April 22 in the Brinkley Gym on the Davidson Campus. The event is free and open to the public; however, space is limited and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hanna’s visit is the second in what DCCC hopes to be the college’s annual celebration of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Last year, Jeff Corwin, animal and nature conservationist who is best known for his television programs on the “Animal Planet,” enthralled the audience with his message, “100 Heartbeats.”

“We are excited that Jack Hanna will be here for our STEM celebration in April,” says Dr. Mark Branson, dean of the School of Arts, Sciences and Education at DCCC. “His presence will also help bring more attention to the college’s launching of the aquarium track in the Zoo and Aquarium Science program, which begins in the fall.”

Hanna, who gained a love for animals as a child, spent his days cleaning animal cages for his local veterinarian and exploring the creek behind his home. He turned that love into his life’s work, and has spent his career exploring the globe as one of the most visible and respected animal ambassadors in the world. His enthusiasm and hands-on approach to wildlife conservation has won him widespread acclaim as an author, television personality, conservationist and director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio.

Hanna has not only made many network appearances on shows such as “Good Morning America,” CNN’s “Larry King Live,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” FOX News programs and the “Late Show with David Letterman,” but he also took his animal expertise to his own shows. He has had three nationally syndicated television programs, “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures,” “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild” and most recently, “Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown.” Author of 10 books, his timeless tales continue to captivate audiences of every generation.

Tickets to the event are located at the Student Information Desk in the Brooks Student Center on the Davidson Campus. For more information, contact Michael McGee at michael_mcgee@davidsonccc.edu or 336-249-8186, ext. 6181.