'Jungle' Jack Hanna is on his way through Drumheller as he tours Alberta for season three of “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild.”
Hanna, who has gained worldwide notoriety for his work with wildlife, and for making David Letterman squirm with his appearances on the Late Show, is on a weeklong swing through the province. He will be in Drumheller on August 19 to shoot at Reptile World, and visit the Tyrell Museum.
Dave Bethel of Reptile World says he has had appearances by different television crews over the years, highlighting Reptile World’s work.
“Basically we will give them a tour of the facility and talk about who we are, what we do and what we have,” said Bethel.
He adds Hanna will be filming a piece on rattlesnakes with a researcher at Dinosaur Provincial Park earlier in the day.
Reptile World is primarily an educational facility, dispelling myths about reptiles, and has more than 200 species of replies and amphibians. It practices captive reproduction of endangered species and innovative husbandry techniques.
Bethel says the exposure for Reptile Word is valuable, however at this point in time, “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild” is not broadcast in Canada.
“Any publicity is good publicity,” said Bethel.
Bethel has been familiar with Hanna’s work for years with his appearances on television shows including Ellen and the Oprah Winfrey Show.
Hanna is Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo in Ohio and was previously the host of “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures” as well as the creator and host of “Into the Wild” which will begin its second season in syndication this fall. “Into the Wild” won an Emmy for outstanding Children’s Series in 2008.
Other stops planned along the route in Alberta include Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, the Calgary Zoo, the Kananaskis, Waterton and Dinosaur Provincial Park.
His topics will include first nations people’s relationship with wildlife, using dogs to educate bears in human avoidance, how wildlife thrives with humans in areas such as Banff, and showcasing fossils at Dinosaur Provincial Park.
The 15th Annual Ryan Savary Memorial Fishing Derby runs this September 12, and with cash prizes of $650 to be won, and fish stories to be told, anyone involved is guaranteed to catch a good time.
