Betty White is not just America’s lover. She supports animals of all kinds – NBC10 Philadelphia

As the entertainment world mourns the loss of television “Golden Girl” Betty White, animal rights advocates mourn the loss of a dear friend who cared about animals, fluffy, furry, scaly, or crawling.

Betty White has worked with the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, Morris Animal Foundation, Africa Wildlife Foundation, and Actors & Others for Animals.

The Los Angeles Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals released a statement mourning her death, saying she was a “friend of animals” and had worked with the group to promote the treatment of animals. humane animals since the 1940s.

White’s work with the Los Angeles Zoo began in 1966, when it opened. She officially became a trustee of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association in 1974.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of Betty’s passing this morning and would like to extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends as we deeply mourn the loss of a true legend. , both on and off screen,” said Tom Jacobson, president of Greater. Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), the nonprofit partner of the Los Angeles Zoo. “Her work with the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association spans more than five decades, and we are grateful for her enduring friendships, lifelong support for animals, and tireless dedication. to support our mission,” he continued.

Looking back at Betty White and her love of animals

She put the LA Zoo on the map while on “Backstage at the Zoo,” thanks to celebrity friends like Mary Tyler Moore starring with her in the 90-minute special. White became chairman of the board of GLAZA in 2010.

In 2006, former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa named her an “Ambassador for Animals”.

“She cared deeply for all living things – us included. Her loss left a huge hole in our hearts. LA Zoo can’t thank Betty enough for her support. her decades of support and we share this pain with all of you. It truly will never be another person like her,” said Denise M. Verret, CEO and Director. Los Angeles Zoo, said.

White worked to raise money for spcaLA, hold telethons, and release PSA.

“Betty and I joke that she’s going to outlive all of us. She was inspired to lend her celebrity voice to animals and bring a lot of attention to the cause of protection. We will miss the Friend for our lives,” spcaLA president Madeline Bernstein said.

The organization also said anyone wishing to donate on White’s behalf can do so at spcaLA.com/donate.

White died at her home in Brentwood on December 31, 2021, and preliminary reports indicate she died of natural causes, the LAPD said.

Whether she played a crazy hostess on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” or a goofy housemate on “The Golden Girls,” White is America’s ageless sweetheart.

“Even though Betty is about to be 100, I think she will live forever. I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world she loves so much. I don’t think Betty has ever been scared away because of her always. She wants to be with her. Her dearest husband is Allen Ludden. She believes she will be with him again,” Betty White’s agent and close friend Jeff Witjas told NBC News.

Governor Gavin Newsom also released a statement about the actress’ death.

Newsom said: “Betty was a pioneer and has easily become one of television’s most beloved and enduring characters. While she may not have been born here, she has been a timeless Californian treasure, throughout and inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2010.”

Betty White Through the Years in Pictures

“The Hollywood community and fans worldwide are mourning the great loss of our Golden Betty White, who has given us so much joy all these years. Although, her star and late husband’s star Allen Ludden are together, it helps to know that she is now with the husband she loves so much. We send our sincere condolences to her family. May she rest in peace,” said Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame Producer.

In Memoriam: Those We Lost in 2021