Audience members filled the seats to see Jack Hanna perform live on stage with a variety of animals Sunday at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Hanna, also known as Jungle Jack, was director of the Columbus Zoo and has television series focusing on nature and animal education. The Egyptian Theatre show began at 3 p.m. with about 900 audience members of all ages in attendance.

The show used animals — including a penguin, cheetah, armadillo, snow leopard and an albino porcupine from Africa — to educate the audience. The show included footage of Hanna with animals from around the world.

The Egyptian Theatre worked with the Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., and other sponsors to bring back Hanna after he last performed at the Egyptian in March 2012. Hanna said the turnout was fantastic and the numbers do not have an influence on how he acts on stage.

“I actually prefer the smaller towns much better than the larger venues,” Hanna said.

Some of the audience members were children who had seen Hanna’s television series. Chris Spielman, 13, a local student at Clinton-Rosette Middle School, 650 N. First St., said he enjoyed the show.

Spielman waited after the show to get his picture taken with Hanna and to get an autograph. Spielman said his favorite animals during the show were the cheetah and endangered snow leopard.

“He’s really cool, and I like his TV show. It’s awesome,” Spielman said.

Elleigh Flannery, 9, of Iowa City, and her family made the drive Saturday night to see Hanna Sunday. Flannery said she liked seeing the snow leopard and said when she grows up she wants to be a veterinarian.

“[I wanted to come] because I watch the show a lot and I think he’s really cool,” Flannery said.

Hanna said being called a hero because of what he has done with his work in television and his live shows is the ultimate compliment.

“Maybe I helped out with educating you about the animal world. I hope, in a fun way,” Hanna said.