Betty White: Fighting for The Animals

David Bachar

History

Mr. Hendlish

7 June 2016

Betty White: Fighting for The Animals

            Betty White once said, “Animals are near and dear to my heat, and I’ve devoted my life to trying to improve their lives”. White is well known for being an animal rights activist, an American actress, author, comedian, and singer. Betty describes that animals are one of her greatest and most important passions. She loved and was willing to do anything she could to help animals. Betty was born on January 17^th, 1922 in Oak Park, Illinois. She was an only child growing up. During the Great Depression her and her family moved to California to make extra money. Although Betty is successful in many areas, she was especially passionate about animal rights.

            Betty is devoted to helping pets and is an animal health advocate. She is a supporter to many organizations like the Los Angeles Zoo commission, the Morris Animal Foundation, African Wildlife Foundation, and many more. Betty is best known for donating and contributing to the Los Angeles Zoo. Her love and care for animals has led her to support zoos and help endangered animals all over the world. Even though Betty donates and is part of the board at many zoos, just as importantly, she dedicates her time by volunteering and working at the zoos. She became passionate about animals since she was a toddler because her father would take in stray animals.

            For about forty years Betty has been part of the Los Angeles Zoo Association, since about 1974. As a member she educates the public in helping to save endangered species in the wild. She is also a long-time member of the board of the Morris Animal Foundation. In an interview Betty states that she had been an animal lover since her memory started. She grew up with an animal loving family who taught her to love all animals (Gambino). The Los Angeles Zoo honored Betty in February 2006. She was admired for her commitment to helping animals and was named an Ambassador to animals.

            Her passion for animal rights has shined through by creating a television show and book to educate the public. In the late 1960’s, Betty wrote and hosted a T.V. show called The Pet Set. In this television series, she brought in actors and actress as well as their pets to talk about the animals and the way they take care of them. In addition, she wrote a book about her love for animals and what she has done in the zoos. The book is called, Betty & Friends: My Life at the Zoo.  She wrote this book to help influence and inform the public about zoos and the animals living within that community.

            In conclusion, White was acknowledged for the positive work that she has done and the change that she has made over history. She has inspired the public and has raised awareness in countless ways. Not only has she donated, volunteering, and supported animals, she also raised awareness by creating a television show and writing a book. Although Betty is well known as an actress, specially “the golden girl”, her most moving projects has been working and educating the public about animals. It is clear the impact and change White has made through her countless awards and honors by zoos. Betty White is an inspiration and an important figure to the public. At the age of ninety-four Betty is still fighting and doing whatever is in her power to help animals all over the world. White is making the world a better place by teaching and influencing the public about what they could do to help animals everyday. Her work has made a positive impact around the world. Betty White is a true animal activist.

Works Cited:

Betty White. Animal Liberation Front. Web.

Join the Celebration and Honor a Golden Girl. Morris Animal Foundation. Web.

Gambino, Megan. "Betty White on Her Love for Animals."  History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places | Smithsonian. 14 May 2012. Web.