Normally, seeing a clouded leopard on campus would be cause for alarm and a call to the local animal control center. But if one decides to stop by the Bryce Jordan Center tomorrow night, relax -- it's a normal part of the show for Jungle Jack Hanna and his animal friends.

"The whole key to educating people is to have people have fun with their families. I'm trying to educate someone from four to 80 years old," Hanna said.

Though the list of featured animals wasn't finalized as of press time, Hanna said a few have been decided on. Among them are the dingo, several reptiles, rare animals such as the binturong--also known as a bear cat-- and the clouded leopard, of which there are only a few hundred now live in the wild, Hanna said.

Additional animals can also be expected at the event.

"I never know what I'm gonna do 'til I get there," Hanna said. "I don't have any canned speech."

Hanna will also take questions from the audience and show videos of his travels, including preview footage from a one-hour special on mountain gorillas that has not yet aired.

"I'm a very big believer in seeing animals as well as seeing videos. Audio-visuals are very important to me, not just getting up there and hearing a speaker," he said. "It's one thing to hear a speaker, another thing to see what they're talking about."

Hanna became a well-known public figure during his time as director of the Columbus Zoo, a position he held from 1978 to 1992.

Penn State professor of animal nutrition and physiology Ron Kensinger spoke of Hanna's efforts at the zoo in an e-mail message.

"His work at the Columbus Zoo led to a significant upgrading of facilities, and his goals to educate the public about wildlife and conservation biology are well known. He was a leader in the effort to evolve zoological parks from simply 'animals in cages' to the more natural exhibits one can experience in many zoos today," Kensinger wrote.

Hanna was invited as a guest on Good Morning America in 1983, and on the Late Show With David Letterman in 1985. He became a regular guest on both programs and has appeared on many others.

"I never pursued a career in TV, ever. People came and asked me if I'd be on Good Morning America in 1983, and we've been doing it every month since," Hanna said.

Hanna went on to say that he is often asked about his fame and public appearances, but he does not consider them to be his most important contribution.

"My greatest accomplishment in life is building the Columbus Zoo," Hanna said.

When asked about the impact of high-profile animal-related injuries and fatalities in recent years, such as those of Roy Horn, Timothy Treadwell and Steve Irwin, Hanna said, "simple answer for that -- wild animals are unpredictable."

Hanna also noted that safety and respect for animals are his top concerns.

"You have to respect an animal's environment, what it stands for, and what it is. You shouldn't put yourself in harm's way. Ninety-nine percent of the time I'm hurt, it's my own fault."

Hanna also said there are many environmental issues facing this and future generations.

"Today, there's no doubt about it, we have problems," he said. "We have to either turn this around or the next few generations are going to have to pay for it."

Kensinger also wrote about Hanna's conservation and environmental efforts.

"Mr. Hanna also has demonstrated understanding and compassion for people in Africa where many of our most endangered species of animals live," Kensinger wrote. "This is important so that efforts toward habitat preservation do not have a significant negative impact on health and quality of life of the people in those areas."

Hanna said he believes the world is a small enough place that everyone can make a difference.

"Some people think the world is a huge place. The world is not that big. Everything we do on the planet affects everyone else, and once we understand that we can turn it around," he said.