Oh, baby!

We ended our film trip with a bang! The crew and I spent our last day in Malaysia at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre. This baby Asia elephant wished me a safe trip home by planting a big kiss on my lips! Can't wait until these shows air in the Spring so INTO THE WILD viewers can see all the amazing things we did.

In the jungle

The crew and I arrived in Malaysia on October 21st to film episodes for Jack Hanna's Into the Wild. When we arrived at our hotel, the Pacific Sutera, we were greeted by Murut dancers (decendents of headhunters!)

On Friday we saw orangutans in the wild for the first time ever with the help of our guide and Red Ape Encounters researcher Mincho! It was truly an incredible experience. The Columbus Zoo proudly supports their work in the Hutan forest. After seeing the orangutans in the wild we visited a rehab center in Borneo called Sepilok. The orangutans come into the facilty and go through a 3 step process before eventually (when they are ready) being released INTO THE WILD. Suzi, Julie and I absolutely fell in love with the babies!

The Columbus Zoo is going "Into the Wild"

Earlier this month I announced that the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the new sponsor of my TV show, Jack Hanna's Into the Wild. (Click here to check out the Columbus Dispatch article) The crew and I will be filming at the Zoo on a regular basis, and let me tell you - it really feels great to bring the show "home" to Columbus.

We are in the process of preparing for the premiere of season 3. Stay tuned for an updated station list. Get ready to tune in and go Into the Wild!

Click on the video below to get a preview of the show's new opening!

Montana adventures

I have definitely been blessed to travel all over the world, but this filming trip for “Into the Wild” has allowed me to explore different aspects of one of my favorite states – Montana. My family, the crew, and I have trekked all over – seeing everything from animal sanctuaries to Glacier National Park. The animals have been absolutely wonderful, but the people who care for them are truly something special. The different organizations we visited are really making a difference in the animal world.

The Elk Sanctuary was amazing - over 500 acres and 20 mature bucks!

We filmed at the Rolling Dog Sanctuary - 30 blind dogs and 11 blind horses are currently thriving there, living happy lives. Rolling Dog takes in animals with birth defects or those that have suffered abuse – several of the animals are not only blind, but missing their eyes all together. Suzi and I feel in love with the sanctuary's welcoming committee - Trooper, a black lab with a neurological disorder.


My good friend Larry Wilson showed us around Charlotte Edkin's Animal Adoption Center. Larry introduced us to some of their wonderful animals. Let me tell you – it was hard to leave these puppies behind!

Beautiful Rwanda

Rwanda’s an absolutely beautiful place - in its people, its wildlife, and its landscape.

During our most recent trip, my family and I were able to be a part of the Ubumwe Community Center's dedication. This community center is sponsored by the Columbus Zoo's Partners In Conservation who works to empower local residents.

We also trekked to see the endangered mountain gorillas. These magnificent creatures have a presence that commands respect - each time I see them is just as special as the first.

We ended our journey on a very high note - at the annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony. My good friends, the von Trapp Children, sang the most beautiful rendition of the Rwandan National Anthem that I have ever heard!

Suzi and I already miss our dear Rwandan friends! We are already looking forward to our next visit!

Goat Palace

Growing up, goats were my first pets, and I still love taking care of them today. I thought you might enjoy this photo of my goats' new jungle gym!

WACKY, WILD, & WEIRD!

I'm really excited about my latest book that was released in the beginning of June.

Do you know what animal can lick its own ears or which animal smells like popcorn? To find out check out - Jungle Jack's Wackiest, Wildest, Weirdest Animals of the World.

You'll learn some wacky facts, read wild stories, and see weird photos of from my many travels around the world. Watch out for piranhas, lions, anacondas, and naked mole rats -- and whatever you don't, don't eat the puffer fish! Click here to check it out!

Also included with the book is a bloopers episode from Jack Hanna's Into The Wild. Be ready to laugh out loud!

Rwandan Mountain Gorilla Trek

Wow! Being able to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is always an amazing experience. Here are some photos of me and my family on a gorilla trek yesterday where we saw a huge silverback, a mother with her two month old, a young fella having his lunch, and some more. Today we're dedicating a new Community Center in Gisenyi that serves homeless children, handicapped and otherwise challenged young people. Hope to post more pictures soon!

Commercial Debut!!

Starting this week - the Columbus Zoo's new commercials will begin airing in the central Ohio area. The Zoo staff and Ron Foth Advertising really did an amazing job.

The first commercial is the closest the Zoo staff will get to Broadway. Click here for a sneak peak of the "Columbus Zoo Musical!"

Recently I posted pictures from "The Biker" commercial. The shoot was a lot of fun - and I came away showing everyone who's boss. Click here to check it out!

A wacky day!

Had a great time yesterday with my friends at Good Morning America and The Late Show with David Letterman!

Zoo Musical!

After the rain moved out, we filmed the finale for the Zoo's new commercial yesterday evening. We pulled out all of the stops this year - the singers from Enchanted recorded the jingle and the choreographer from High School Musical attempted to teach zoo staff some moves! Thank goodness they didn't have me dancing!!!

Lights! Camera! Action!

Here are a couple shots from the Columbus Zoo commercial I just finished shooting on zoo grounds. The commercials were fun and creative-- I can't wait until all of you get to see them on air in a couple of weeks!

Shamu!

On Friday, Suzi and I had the chance to go backstage at Shamu Stadium (SeaWorld Orlando) and meet one of the killer whales up close and chat with trainers. They sure are magnificent animals!

I want one!

Suzi and I have had the pleasure of helping take care of these puppies the past few days.

These dogs will be trained by the New Horizons Service Dogs program (http://www.newhorizonsservicedogs.org/) to help folks with disabilities.

These puppies couldn’t be cuter! We are so sad to be leaving them behind today - our bags are packed and we are heading to SeaWorld in Orlando (which will be fun too...).

Columbus is #1 - 3 times!

The Columbus Crew (soccer) and the Columbus Zoo aren't the only #1s in town. Parent's Magazine recently honored COSI (Columbus's science museum for children) as the #1 science center in the country.

A few days ago, I was at COSI for a photo shoot to promote both the Zoo's and COSI's #1 status. They put me up on the high wire bike -- people tell me that elementary school kids do this all the time. Kids sure are brave, I was scared out of my mind!!! Thanks to Ron Foth Advertising for capturing the moment!

"Tweeting" isn't just for birds

I'm proud to announce that along with my blog, you can know stay up-to-date with my crazy adventures on Twitter and Facebook! Definitely check them out!

One Big Step Closer to a Name

The Columbus Zoo is one step closer to giving the new elephant calf a name. Of the 11,000 enteries submitted, they have narrowed it down to 4!

Beco – (BEE-co) – This unique name combines that of the baby’s mother (Phoebe) and his father (Coco).

Damai – (da-MY) – Translated from Indonesian, this name means “peace”. The Columbus Zoo is involved with several elephant conservation projects in Sumatra.

Sattva - (SUHT-vah) – Translated from Sanskrit, this name means “purity” or “existence.” In Hindu, individuals who are sattvic are believed to have a good memory supporting an old adage that an elephant never forgets. When you combine the name Sattva with that of his brother, Bodhi, you get Bodhisattva. In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is someone that uses his/her wisdom to bring others to enlightenment.

Siddhartha – (si-DAHR-tuh) – Translated from Sanskrit, this name means “fulfillment”. “Sid” may be used for short.

Click here to vote for your favorite! Voting closes at midnight on Wednesday, May 6 and the winner will be announced on Mother's Day.

Happy Earth Day

Help me celebrate Earth Day tomorrow (4/22) by watching The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. It will be my honor to accept a donation for rhino conservation on behalf of the Wilds in Ohio (an amazing place that you just have to check out!) and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya. These organizations do amazing work every day to support rhinos in their fight against extinction.

It has been my pleasure to work with Zicam to help support rhino conservation, and bring awareness to the rhinovirus.

What a morning!

I just received these pictures a few minutes ago (compliments of Ida Astute of ABC News) Not only did I get to hang out with a sloth, but I had fun seeing my buddies Chris Cuomo and Sam Champion. Emeril Lagasse and I really heated up the kitchen on GMA. Bam!

Good Morning America

A few of my animal friends and I stopped by Good Morning America this morning. Click here to check out the video!

Coach Fulmer stops by the Zoo

The rainy Ohio weather didn't stop Tennessee's former head football coach, Phil Fulmer, from stopping by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to see the new baby elephant calf.

Before Phil had to head out of town, we stopped by one of my favorite places to eat - Hella's.

Coach Fulmer and I have been good friends for many years - Suzi and I were so excited to show him the new projects going on at the zoo. We just made sure that we had a big umbrella!

Eggs, Paws, and Claws!

Who is faster - the tortoise or the hare?

On April 11, I will be at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for Eggs, Paws, and Claws to find out. My namesake, Jack the rabbit, and I will be meeting up with the Zoo's Director Jeff Swanagan and Lucky the tortoise for a little spring fun! We would love for you to join us at 10:30 am or 1 pm for a half-hour show at Water's Edge. `

It doesn't get much better than this!

The Columbus Zoo's new elephant calf is truly an amazing little guy. This is a picture of him from April 1, 2009 - when he is only 5 days old. Click here to see a video of him on Youtube.com that was posted by the Zoo.

It's a boy!

I feel like a proud papa! On the afternoon of March 27, this amazing little calf made its first "surprise" appearance at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Normally baby elephants are born in the early morning hours - a time when predators in the wild are least likely to approach an elephant herd. But, this little guy decided he didn't want to wait that long. By 2:35 pm he arrived!

Phoebe, the calf's mother, had her health monitored throughout her 655 day pregnancy. She was like any expecting mother - complete with an exercise regimen, regular ultrasounds, and blood draws. Towards the end of her pregnancy, Phoebe was monitored around the clock. The keepers will continue to keep this watchful eye on Phoebe and her calf for the next few weeks.

This birth is very exciting for the zoo world! In the past five years only nine Asian elephants have been born in six AZA zoos including the new calf and his big brother Bodhi at the Columbus Zoo.

To allow Phoebe and her new baby time to form a strong bond, Zoo visitors are currently unable to see them. The Zoo will announce viewing information when it becomes available.

Hanging out with Mike and Juliet

It was great stopping by to see my pals at The Morning Show. Mike and Juliet are hilarious and love visiting with my animal friends. Mike might be hiding behind the couch, but he really was fascinated by this large python! The episode will be airing on Friday, March 27 - check your local listings!

Back stage at M &J, I was able to spend some time with one of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's baby cheetahs and his companion puppy -- they sure are growing up fast!