Betty White is remembered for philanthropic efforts toward animals during Hurricane Katrina by New Orleans nonprofit ... following Hollywood legend's death at 99
Betty White's work with animal nonprofit organizations has been remembered by a number of animal rights advocates in the wake of her passing at 99 Friday.
The Audubon Nature Institute, based in New Orleans, tweeted that White was 'a conservationist, animal advocate, and friend' in remembering the late Golden Girls star.
The organization, which runs the zoo and aquarium in the city, said that 'when the penguins & sea otters were evacuated to' the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California 'for Hurricane Katrina' in 2005 in Louisiana, Betty White 'paid for the plane to relocate them.'
The latest: Betty White's work with animal nonprofit organizations has been remembered by a number of animal rights advocates in the wake of her passing at 99 Friday. She was snapped at an event in LA in 2012
The group noted that White 'did not ask for fanfare' as 'she just wanted to help,' adding the hashtag, #ThankYouForBeingAFriend.
A spokesperson for the organization gave details to People about White's efforts amid the troubled times.
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'After Hurricane Katrina, a private plane was chartered to relocate Audubon Aquarium's sea otters and penguins to Monterey Bay Aquarium,' the spokesperson said. 'Audubon did not find out until after the trip that Betty White had paid for a portion of the trip.'
The group described White as 'a huge animal advocate and conservationist' who 'just wanted to help how she could,' adding, 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of a true friend.'
The Audubon Nature Institute, based in New Orleans, tweeted that White was 'a conservationist, animal advocate, and friend' in remembering the late Golden Girls star
White was snapped onstage in 2018 at the Emmys in LA
White was honored by Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute with the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal in 2017, along with Harrison Ford, 'to honor their commitment to wildlife and efforts to create a sustainable planet.'
She said at the time in response to the honors, 'What a privilege to be honored simply for my passion - for what I love most in the world - animals.'
Others who touted White's work following her passing included ASPCA president Matt Bershadker and Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association president Tom Jacobson, according to the New York Post.
In the wake of her death, fans of the actress have started the #BettyWhiteChallenge, which calls for $5 to animal charity organizations on January 17, which would have marked her 100th birthday
'Betty White demonstrated a lifelong commitment to helping animals in need, including dedicated support for local shelters and animal welfare endeavors, fiercely promoting and protecting animal interests in her entertainment projects and personally adopting many rescued animals,' Bershadker said. 'Betty was a constant and compassionate advocate for vulnerable animals across the country, and will be greatly missed.'
Jacobson said his organization was 'grateful for her enduring friendship, lifelong advocacy for animals, and tireless dedication to supporting our mission' over 'more than five decades.'
In the wake of her death, fans of the actress have started the #BettyWhiteChallenge, which calls for $5 to animal charity organizations on January 17, which would have marked her 100th birthday.
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