Animal Lesson #6: Jack Hanna Inspires

I remember watching the Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom on a very small tv set at my grandparents house and imagining all the adventures.  Those shows ran from 1963 to 1988.  Now kids watch Jack Hanna and the Kratt Brothers on PBS public tv for animal adventure and conservation stories (we also saw Kratt Brothers, blog story coming soon). 

"Jungle Jack" began his tv appearances much earlier as a frequent guest on the Late Night Show with host David Letterman.  Now Jack Hanna stars in numerous shows including Into the Wild, Animal Adventures, and Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown.


If your kids have special interest in a celebrity, look up whether they tour.  In this case, Jack Hanna travels around the nation giving a live animal show.  He brings a variety of animals including a cheetah, sloth, koala, and echidna.

We saw the show in Kentucky.  Jack had just arrived back to the United States from Africa and still gave a high energy show.  Jack has a home in Africa and has special interest in conserving gorillas in Africa.  He supports Partners in Conservation (PIC) which benefits mountain gorillas of Rwanda.

If Jack Hanna doesn't travel to your community, consider a trip to a zoo or conservation site to celebrate animal conservation.  In direct connection to Jack, visit the Columbus Zoo where Jack held the Director position.

What:  Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Where:  Columbus, Ohio
 Cost:  $14.99 child (age 3-9), $19.99 adult, $10 parking
 Check out times for "Animals on Safari Show"

The Wilds conservation park, also located in Ohio and connected to Jack provides kids the opportunity to learn animal conservation.  Jack filmed a show at this location.  We also took the kids to The Wilds, check out my blog story. 
Consider learning about other animal lovers.  Jack connected to Betty White, known for her love for dogs, "In 2014 one of my dreams came true when Betty White graciously joined me for the opening of Heart of Africa..." Jack Hanna, Jack Hanna website.  I've also met Betty White.  Blog story coming soon...

Animal Lesson #5: The Wilds Conservation Park in Ohio

 You don't need to buy an expensive airplane ticket and get a passport to teach your kids about animals and Africa.  Who would think that North America's largest conservation parks with endangered animals is located in Ohio?  It's true.  You can drive to 14000 International Road, Cumberland, OH and take your kids on an educational safari.

The Wilds mission is "advancing conservation through science, education, and personal experience". It's a 9,000 plus acre conservation park that opened to the public in 1994.  You might have heard about it from Jack Hanna because he serves as a board member.

The Wilds takes care of 27 species of rare or endangered animals living in a 14 square mile area of reclaimed mining land.  This family friendly place gives you an opportunity to teach your children about conservation. 

We went with three toddlers and they loved the adventure.  You can choose from the Safari Transport Pass (bus) or Open-Air Safari.  I chose the Open-Air Safari because it got us close to the animals and allowed us to easily photograph the animals.  The tour lasts for over two hours and includes stops at Lake Trail and Carnivore Center.

With toddlers, you might want a simple game to keep their eyes wide open:

Activity Idea #1:  Animal BINGO
Go to The Wilds website, print off the animal photos, cut them out and place them on a BINGO card.  First kid to complete a row or diagonal line wins.

For older kids, you can connect nature and geography:

Activity Idea #2:  Animal World Map
Print the animal photos and have the kids paste them onto the world map, according to the animal origin:
      *Banteng; Southeast Asia & vulnerable
      *Dhole, East and Southern Africa & least concern
      *African painted dog, Sub-Sharan Africa
      *Eld's deer, Southeast Asia & endangered
      *Indochina Sika Deer, East Asia & least concern
      *Grevy's Zebra, Kenya & Ethipia & endgangerd
      *Perisan Onager, Syria/Iran/Pakistan, India, Israel & endangered

Activity Idea #3:  Conservation Index IQ
Discuss the conservation index ranging from Extinct in the Wild (EW) to Least Concern (LC).  On paper draw the range with each category:  EW, CR, EN, VU, NT, LC.  Then place the animals in their current category status:
      *EW:  Pere David's Deer, Extinct in the Wild (formerly China)
      *CR:  Bactrian Camel, Critically Endangered (Central & Southeast Asia)
      *EN:  Przewalski's Wild Horse, Endangered (Central Asia)
      *VU:  Sichuan Takin, Vulnerable (Tibet & China)
      *NT:  Southern White Rhino, Nearly Threatened
      *LC:  Sable Antelope, Least concern, (East Africa & Southern Africa)

Tip:  Bring your hiking shoes!  Even though it's a bus tour, the tour gives you time to walk to ponds or throughout the Carnivore Conservation Center (opened in 2007 with cheetahs and African wild dogs).  You'll see unique animals and wildflowers, so get off the bus.

I hope you can experience it too. Season opens May 2nd.  Camps available June-August.
Learn more at http://www.thewilds.org/.  For a few more photos, go to my personal collection "The Wilds" at http://www.flickr.com/photos/krenda/sets/.  If you have a scout troop, check out their Scout Day Program offering tour, meal, and canoe usage for one packaged price.