Legendary wildlife host Jack “Jungle Jack” Hanna’s TV franchise library, including 400 episodes of “Jack Hanna‘s Into the Wild” and “Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown” has been acquired by Hearst Media Production Group.
Hearst is the longtime distributor of Hanna’s series, previously owned by Into The Wild, LLC, and already held ownership of “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures” and in 2021 launched the Jack Hanna Channel, a FAST channel showcasing hundreds of episodes of Hanna’s adventures in the wild.
Financial terms of the deal to acquire the libraries for “Into the Wild” and “Wild Countdown” were not disclosed.
Nominated for 15 Emmys and winning five, Hanna’s decades-long career in wildlife programming spurred from his background as a conservationist and his position at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio. A frequent TV guest of David Letterman, Hanna’s also authored several books, won many awards, and received multiple honorary doctorates.
“We’re proud to deepen our decades-long partnership with the Hanna family and be entrusted to continue sharing this compelling, legacy wildlife programming worldwide,” Hearst Media Production Group president Frank Biancuzzo.
“HMPG is committed to the important work Jack started,” Hanna’s wife Suzi Hanna said. “Their extensive knowledge of producing and distributing engaging wildlife programming ensures Jack’s lifelong commitment to wildlife education and conservation will reach fans of all ages for years to come.”
Outside of Hanna’s work, Hearst Media Production Group’s wildlife conservation programming consists of “Wildlife Nation,” hosted by Jeff Corwin, “Earth Odyssey,” hosted by Dylan Dreyer, “Wild Child,” hosted by Sheinelle Jones, “Oh Baby!,” hosted by Janai Norman, and the newly debuted “Wild Kingdom” revival, hosted by Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant.