Wildlife expert Jack Hanna returns to SeaWorld Orlando in September

Animal expert and television personality Jack Hanna is returning to SeaWorld Orlando for a weekend of special appearances and shows.

Hanna is the host of “Into The Wild,” during which he and his family take viewers on animal adventures around the world, paying special attention to endangered species. Hanna was the longtime director of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo, but he got his start at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford from 1973 to 1975.

Known as “Jungle Jack,” Hanna brings his exotic animals to four shows that are included in regular admission to SeaWorld. Hanna’s past “co-stars” have included clouded leopards, chatty kookaburra birds, penguins, otters and majestic eagles. Show times are at 1:15 and 3:15 p.m. Sept. 14 and 15 in the Nautilus Theater, an indoor venue. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Guests can guarantee themselves seating in a reserved section by booking breakfast or dinner with the famed host. The breakfast takes place at Sharks Underwater Grill at 9 a.m. and includes a meet-and-greet with Hanna, a complimentary 6 x 8 family photo, and reserved seats for the 1:15 p.m. show.

The menu features scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, French toast sticks, seasonal fresh fruit, cereal, breakfast pastries, juice, milk, coffee and hot tea. Guest also can choose crepes filled with farm-fresh scrambled eggs, spinach and mushrooms; pastries and muffins; and seasonal fresh fruit. Mimosas are available for purchase for guests 21 and older. Tickets are $49 for adults and $39 for children ages 3 to 9.

New this year is dinner with Hanna at Dine with Shamu, where he will entertain guests with animal stories and will answer questions. Diners also will receive a complimentary 6 x 8 family photo and have reserved seats for the 3:15 p.m. show. Dine with Shamu is at 5 p.m. each day and costs $59 for adults, which includes one alcoholic beverage for those 21 and older, and $49 for children.

The adult buffet features seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, certified sustainable seafood, slow roasted and smoked chicken, yellow rice with Creole shrimp, herb-crusted strip loin of beef, seasonal accompaniments, fresh breads and desserts. Kid favorites that are offered are spaghetti with marinara sauce, chicken nuggets with dipping sauce, hot dogs, mac and cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

For more about what to expect at Dine with Shamu, please read my previous blog post.

SeaWorld also hosts Sleepovers with Jack Hanna at its San Antonio park. There, participants have the similar opportunities to interact with Hanna, with the added bonus of spending the night near some of the theme park’s animals. (SeaWorld Orlando also offers sleepovers, but not during Jack Hanna Weekend.)