Growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee, Jack got his first job at age eleven working for his family’s veterinarian, Dr. Roberts. Jack worked for Dr. Roberts for several summers and developed a love and respect for all animals.
In 1978, Jack was named director of the Columbus Zoo. When he first started at the Zoo, attendance was low and the animal habitats were outdated. His top priority was to increase attendance by offering educational and entertaining events. As a result of these programs, more and more people started visiting the zoo.
In 1983, Jack was invited to appear on Good Morning America in New York following the birth of baby twin gorillas at the Columbus Zoo. Knowing this was a great opportunity to educate people across the nation about animals, he eagerly accepted the invitation. Jack has been a regular guest and wildlife correspondent ever since.
Two years later, in 1985, Jack appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman for the first time. Dave and Jack "hit it off" and now Jack can be seen as a guest on The Late Show several times each year.
Other shows that Jack has appeared on with his animal friends include Larry King Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Hollywood Squares, The Maury Show, Entertainment Tonight, FOX News and CNN programs, and various other news programs (as a wildlife correspondent). The animals that he takes on television are ambassadors to their cousins in the wild, and are cared for by professionals.
Jack’s media appearances were taking up so much of his time that he could no longer manage the day-to-day matters at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. In 1992, Jack became the Director Emeritus at the Zoo, a job that he still enjoys today. Although he travels most of the year, Jack still calls Central Ohio home.