NORWALK -- Renowned wildlife expert Jack Hanna can't help but smile when talking about his beloved animals.

From lemurs to bears and beyond, the purveyor of adventure offered a glimpse into his untamed lifestyle Thursday during an event at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk as part of a Global Insights series on his adventures in the wild.

And yes, he brought along a group of his furry friends.

"I want people to take away one thing from the show and that is love for the animal world," Hanna said. "I'm not being corny when I say that. I just want people to have fun and gain an appreciation for the animals."

Hanna, 66, appeared for two action-packed, sold-out shows, where he thrilled guests with an array of exotic animals and his quirky sense of humor.

"I live the dream and I wish everyone could visit the places that I have traveled to," Hanna said. "So in my show, I like to show clips of my travels all around the world to give an experience of what it's really like."

To the delight of the crowd, Hanna chatted for more than an hour about the animals, which started off with a beaver affectionately named "Bucky."

"In 1986 I was bit on the thumb on the David Letterman show by a big beaver," Hanna said. "I still can't feel my thumb because it bit the nerves…but that's what you get for messing with a beaver that big."

Hanna said the name of the game for not being attacked in the wild while filming, is to remain in the animals "comfort zone."

"If you cross that comfort zone, you'll have a train wreck," Hanna said. "99 percent of the time, it's the person's fault if they get hurt, not the animals. Accidents do happen once in awhile, but you have to film with respect."

Aside from "Bucky," Hanna charmed the crowd with a baby wallaby, a black-footed penguin, a 6-week-old baby black bear and many others.

"One of my favorite animals is the black bear," Hanna said. "But let me tell you, never run from a bear, like most wild animals. I'm not saying (run from a) squirrel, but when you turn and run from a bear, it's giving him the notion to run after you…so stand still. But if it stands up on it's hind legs and breaths deep, well, that's not good."

A python wowed the crowd as Hanna guided young children in the audience to touch the reptile's slithering skin.

"A 17-foot anaconda almost took my fingers off in 1972," Hanna said. "Because once it bites, it really holds on and you have to wait for 30 minutes until it loosens its grip to break free. So, if you're going hiking in Africa or Asia this summer and you get bit, wait 30 minutes and if nothing is happening, twitter me and I'll try to help you out."