Jack Hanna brought his unique style of performance to Sycamore High School Sunday, in an event hosted by the Midwest Museum of Natural History.

The sold out event, “Sycamore Safari II, the Return of Jack Hanna,” offered a rare view of many animals as Hanna gave facts and stories about each. Hanna performed previously in May 2007. While his first show featured video clips from his TV show and live animals, this event was unique.

“It was great because it was different than last year’s,” said Marcia Wilson, a Marketing and Guest Relations representative at the museum. “When they brought the animals into the audience, it was very up-close and personal.”

Hanna displayed many animals during the show, including a snow leopard, an owl and a penguin. As a trained animal handler came from backstage with each animal, Hanna shared many facts, and occasionally a personal anecdote.

Besides sharing his own funny stories, Hanna used his experiences to make the audience aware of some of the cruel treatment animals endure. When one of his handlers brought out a hyacent macaw, the audience awed at the bird’s bright blue feathers.

Hanna said this bird was killed for its feathers, which were used to make clothing. He then launched into a story of how exotic birds, such as the macaw, were smuggled into the country inside PVC pipes.

“Out of 20 birds who were shoved in this pipe, only five or six lived,” Hanna said.

One of the highlights of the show was Hanna’s presentation of the two-toed sloth. This animal was a sight to behold and an audience favorite because the handler came out holding a large tree branch, from which the sloth was dangling upside-down.

“The sloth was one of my favorites,” Wilson said. “It’s amazing the way he just hangs on the stick.”

The premiere animal of the show, however, was a live cheetah.

“I was really impressed with the cheetah being here,” said Pam Morrell, a member of the audience.

Prior to this animal’s appearance, Hanna made it clear that the audience should stay in their seats.

As soon as the handlers led the leashed cat from backstage, it was easy to see why. The cheetah’s eyes darted around the room, finally settling on a young child toward the back rows with a piercing gaze.

“He’s looking at that little boy moving in the back,” Hanna said.

The handlers kept a close watch on the big cat, however, feeding it treats and making certain to keep a tight hold on the leash. Hanna explained about the stripes under the cheetah’s eyes, comparing the dark circles to the stripes a sports player wears to keep the sun out of his or her eyes.

“You’ve seen football players put chalk, or stripes under their eyes. Isn’t it amazing how nature gave that to them,” Hanna said.

Throughout the show, Hanna’s passion and knowledge about animals was showcased as he gave profiles on a python, an albino wallabee, a palm civet and an armadillo, among others.

Hanna’s personal stories and interesting facts made the performance one to remember.