If you grew up watching the chaotic, khaki-clad adventures of "Jungle Jack" Hanna, you probably remember his wife, Suzi, right there in the thick of it. She wasn’t just a background character; she was the calming force next to the man who once brought a cheetah onto David Letterman’s stage. But given Jack’s very public and heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer’s, people are naturally asking: is Jack Hanna's wife still alive, and how is she holding up?
The short answer is yes. Suzi Hanna is very much alive. Honestly, she is doing more than just "being alive"—she is currently serving as the primary caregiver for Jack in what has become a long, quiet goodbye in the mountains of Montana.
The Woman Behind the Safari Hat
Suzi Hanna (formerly Suzi Egli) has been the bedrock of the Hanna family for over 50 years. They met back at Muskingum College in Ohio. Legend has it Jack got in trouble for keeping a donkey in a shed and ducks in his dorm room, which, if you know Jack, sounds about right. They married in 1968, and since then, they’ve been an inseparable team.
While Jack was the face of the Columbus Zoo and a late-night TV staple, Suzi was the one making sure the logistics worked and the family stayed grounded. They have three daughters—Kathaleen, Suzanne, and Julie—and a bunch of grandkids. For decades, they were the "First Family" of wildlife conservation.
The Reality of Jack's Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
It’s been a rough road since 2019. That was the year Jack was officially diagnosed with dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease. For a man whose entire life was built on communication, storytelling, and sharp-witted interaction with animals, the diagnosis was a massive blow.
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The family kept it under wraps for a while. Jack was embarrassed. He didn't want the world to see him losing his edge. But by 2021, the secret was too heavy to carry. The daughters released a letter explaining that Jack was retiring from public life because his condition was progressing much faster than anyone expected.
Where is Suzi Hanna now?
As of early 2026, Suzi is still living with Jack in their home in Bigfork, Montana. It’s a beautiful spot, but the daily reality is intense. According to updates shared by the family with outlets like The Columbus Dispatch and People, Jack’s memory has faded to the point where he only recognizes a few things: Suzi, his dog Brassy, and sometimes his eldest daughter, Kathaleen.
Suzi has been incredibly candid about the toll this takes. She’s mentioned in interviews that "the Jack people knew isn't here anymore," but she still sees flashes of him. Small pieces of her husband remain, and she’s determined to hang onto those for as long as possible.
The daughters have actually begged her to get more professional help. They’re worried about her health, too. Caregiver burnout is a real thing, especially when you're dealing with advanced Alzheimer's. But Suzi has largely refused, saying she wants it to just be "Jack and I" for as long as she can manage. That’s a level of devotion you don’t see every day.
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Is Jack Hanna's Wife Still Alive and Healthy?
People often search for this because rumors tend to fly when a celebrity spouse disappears from the limelight. In Suzi's case, she’s just private. She isn't out doing press tours because her life is now centered on 24/7 care.
There have been no reports of Suzi having major health issues of her own, other than the immense stress that comes with her role. She still takes Jack for walks. They sit by the river. They watch the sun. It’s a much slower pace than the days of traveling to Rwanda or filming in the Australian Outback, but it's the life they have left.
Dealing with the "Long Goodbye"
Alzheimer's is often called the long goodbye because you lose the person twice—first to the disease, then to the end of life. Suzi is currently in the middle of that first loss.
- The Routine: They spend a lot of time outdoors. Jack was always a man of the earth, and even if he can't remember the name of a specific animal, the feeling of the sun and the wind seems to calm him.
- The Support: While Suzi is the lead, the daughters are heavily involved. Julie, their youngest, has had her own major health battles (including a brain tumor years ago), which adds another layer of complexity to the family dynamic.
- The Legacy: Even though Jack can’t lead the charge anymore, Suzi and the girls continue to support the Columbus Zoo and various conservation efforts.
What You Can Learn from the Hanna Family
Watching how Suzi has handled this provides a bit of a roadmap for anyone dealing with a family member with dementia. It’s not pretty. It’s not easy.
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Honestly, the biggest takeaway is the importance of a support system. Even if Suzi wants to do it all herself, the fact that her daughters are there to advocate for her and Jack is crucial. If you are in a similar spot, don't try to be a hero 24 hours a day.
Actionable Steps for Families Facing Dementia
If the Hanna story hits close to home because you're dealing with a similar diagnosis in your family, here are a few things to consider:
- Look into the Alzheimer’s Association: They have resources specifically for caregivers. Suzi’s story highlights how lonely it can be, but you aren't actually alone.
- Document the "good" days: Suzi clings to the "pieces of Jack" that are still there. Take videos, write down the small moments of clarity. They become precious very quickly.
- Discuss "The Talk" early: The Hannas had to make the hard choice to go public and move to Montana. Having these conversations about care preferences before the disease progresses too far is a gift to the family.
So, to recap the big question: is Jack Hanna's wife still alive? Yes, Suzi is alive, well, and remains the fiercest protector of Jack’s legacy and his daily peace. She is the quiet hero of this chapter of their lives, proving that "for better or for worse" isn't just a line in a ceremony—it's a daily choice.
For those who want to support the causes Jack and Suzi spent their lives championing, you can still donate to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium or the Jack Hanna Conservation Fund. It’s a way to keep the spirit of "Jungle Jack" alive, even while the man himself enjoys his quiet walks in Montana.