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Jack Hanna to offer animal adventures at Busch Gardens

Photo by BOB EAST III

Famed animal expert Jack Hanna is offering unique animal adventures next week at Busch Gardens.

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 3, 2009

Animal expert Jack Hanna is coming back to Busch Gardens this month for meet and greet with families during four special events including a Serengeti Night Safari.

Hanna, who used to tape one of his TV series at Busch Gardens, will make a special appearance at the Serengeti Night family sleepover on Nov.13. He also will join guests for breakfast on Nov. 14 and 15, and will share animal facts and his travel tales during shows those same days in the theme park.

Hanna is best known as the star of the Emmy Award-winning television series "Jack Hanna's Into the Wild," in which he invites audiences to join him on his expeditions around the globe. The series airs Sundays at 10 a.m. on WTVT, Channel 13.

That series is produced out of Tampa by Spectrum Productions. He also was host of "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures" which ran in syndication for 10 years.

Hanna, the former director of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo, became a frequent guest on TV shows such as "Good Morning America" and "The Late Show with David Letterman."

Hanna also is the author of three books: "Romp, Stomp, Waddle Home!" "Passport into the Wild" and "Jungle Jack: My Wild Life."

The events are as follows:

• Serengeti Night Safari featuring Jack Hanna is 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 13 and 7:30 to 10 p.m. Nov. 14.The two-hour experience includes a moonlit look at the nocturnal behaviors of hippos, lions and hyenas. It continues with a guided safari expedition across the Serengeti Plain, where guests can use night-vision monoculars and special filtered lighting to view exotic animals. The evening will end around a roaring fire, where Hanna will share tales of his real-life African adventures.

It also includes food in the exclusive Safari Club and costs $60 per person, with a discount available for Busch Gardens' Passport members. The tour is for ages 5 and older. Busch Gardens admission is not required or included. Visit BuschGardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447.

• The Family Sleepover featuring Jack Hanna is also Nov. 13 and 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. It includes behind-the-scenes access, interactive activities and an animal adventure hosted by Hanna. Guests will spend the night in Busch Gardens' Mzinga Lounge, a secure on-site dormitory and wake up to meet tigers in Jungala and enjoy a continental breakfast. Dinner, a T-shirt and water bottle are included. The sleepover is designed for families with elementary school-age children, and the cost is $78 per person or $68 for Passport members. To register, visit buschgardens.com or call 1-877-BGT-CAMP.

• Meet Jack Hanna at Busch Gardens is from 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15 at the Moroccan Palace. Hanna will share his world travels and educate animal lovers of all ages about the importance of wildlife conservation during shows in the Moroccan Palace. All shows are included with a day's paid admission or any annual Passport. For tickets, visit BuschGardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447.

• Breakfast with Jack Hanna at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 14 and 15 lets you dine with the animal expert then enjoy priority seating at Hanna's first show of the day. It costs $16.95 adults and $10.95 ages 9 and younger. Passport members receive a 10 percent discount. Visit buschgardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447 to book your breakfast.

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654.

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