Interview with Jack Hanna

Jack Hanna is one of the most renowned, well-loved, and popular animal experts in the world. From a very young age, he has loved animals and working with them. His work as the director at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium transformed it into a state-of-the-art park.

Jack Hanna has been seen various times on several acclaimed television shows, such as Good Morning America, The Late Show with David Letterman, and Larry King Live. He even has his own TV series, Jack Hanna's Into the Wild which, in 2008, won an Emmy for Outstanding Children's Series!

Jack has also authored several books, including Passport Into the Wild and his autobiography Jungle Jack: My Wild Life. Here you can see some books by Jack Hanna. You can learn more about Jack at his official website.

Golden Retriever Magic is truly honored to have such an acclaimed animal expert chat with them about his experience with, and love for, Golden Retrievers.

1) Jack, thanks a lot for taking the time for this interview today. We feel really lucky to have the perspective of such a renowned animal authority. I know you have a wonderful Golden Retriever named Brass. How did Brass come into your life?

We had lost our first golden retriever – a real sweetheart. My wife, Suzi, and I said that we wouldn’t get another puppy. Well, that lasted about two weeks! We met Brass in Atlanta and knew he was going to be a wonderful addition to our family. He is seven years old now, and just as fun as he was when he was a pup.

2) I have heard that you also have a yellow Lab, Tasha. How do Brass and Tasha get along? Are they the best of buddies, or do they vie for the attention of the family?

Brass and Tasha are inseparable – they hate to be apart. Tasha was about two years old when we got Brass, and he hasn’t left her side since. They are beyond family to us – and really have never been jealous of each other. There is truly mutual respect between the two. Brass is protective of Tasha, but at the same time he knows she is the pack leader. He never tries to take her food – which is amazing because he loves to eat!

3) I think it's safe to say that you love all (or at least most) animals! With your vast experience working with them, you must have had the opportunity to see a full gamut of behaviors from various animals. What do you like the most about Golden Retrievers?

We decided to get another Golden Retriever because of their wonderful attributes. Brass has a calm temperament and is very intelligent. He shows us a lot of love and is very loyal.

4) I saw your zoo story video at the Columbus Zoo website. The story about your daughter Julia and the snow leopard was really touching. You mentioned there how the animals at the zoo have meant so much to so many people--and how they provide people a relief from everyday life. I think that is very true of Golden Retrievers as well -- their joy for life truly puts a smile on one's face. Do you find that Brass plays a role as a stress reliever?

Brass and Tasha are both great joys. It is wonderful to come home to them – no matter how long I have been gone or where I have been, they are always excited to see me.

5) How does Brass fit into your lifestyle? What are some of Brass's (and your) favorite things to do?

Brass loves to swim! He doesn’t really like to go for walks, but if you get him in the water he will play for hours. He loves to look for fish.

Brass loves to eat – definitely one of his favorite past times. He also loves to sit on the couch or fall asleep on a big pillow.

6) Is there anything else your would like to share about Brass? (Any funny story, any memorable incident...)

We live right next to a golf course and when Brass was a puppy he decided to go on the course during a big tournament. Brass got a hold of one of the player’s golf balls near the 10th hole. It was a very serious tournament, with some big time players - Suzi was so worried that Brass would have ruined the tournament for them by taking one of the balls that was in play! But, the golfer was really sweet and didn’t make a fuss. Though Suzi did end up giving him about 15 golf balls that Brass had recovered from our front yard!

Jack, I really want to thank you again for taking the time to answer some questions about your Golden. It was wonderful for us and our readers to hear about your relationship with your Golden.

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