Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Los Angeles Zoo Celebrates in Honor of Betty White’s 90th Birthday

Betty White turned 90 years old on January 17, spending more than half of those years right here at the Los Angeles Zoo. This Saturday, January 21, 2012, the Los Angeles Zoo celebrates this milestone of one of its most special people. Due to Betty's busy schedule please note that she will not be in attendance.

The birthday celebration welcomes all fans of Betty White to help honor her endless contributions to the Los Angeles Zoo and to thank her for a lifetime of work on behalf of animals. The festivities include a life size decoration cake created and donated by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. A second cake, also created by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, will be served for the first 900 people through the gate beginning at 10 a.m.

A list of “Betty’s Picks” - a selection of some of her favorite animals throughout the Zoo – will add to fun. Betty often quips that she has to stay in show business to pay for her animal business—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Between long-running roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls, guest gigs on game shows, a 20-year stint hosting Pasadena’s Rose Parade, and countless other TV and film appearances, she remained a steady presence at the Zoo, working behind the scenes to advocate for better habitats for the animals.

Additionally, L.A. artist, Amanda Visell, brings a one-of-a-kind, special edition painting dedicated to Betty White’s 90th Birthday celebration at the Los Angeles Zoo this Saturday. The artist who’s worked on stylized projects for shows like The Simpsons and the feature film Elf, created this portrait for all Betty White and Zoo fans. The 12x12 print is for sale for $60 with proceeds towards the Zoo.

Fans may honor Betty by making a donation, at any level beginning at $5, and have the opportunity to write a personal note to wish her a happy birthday. All the messages will be given to Betty to read. Fans on facebook and twitter have the opportunity to win prizes honoring Betty.

The mission of the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is to serve the community by creating an environment for recreation and discovery; inspire an appreciation of wildlife through exhibitry and education; ensure the highest level of animal welfare; and support programs that preserve biodiversity and conserve natural habitat.  The Zoo is home to a diverse collection of 1,100 animals, many of which are rare or endangered.  The Zoo is actively engaged in the conservation of the California condor, mountain yellow-legged frog and peninsular pronghorn.  In addition, the Zoo’s botanical collection comprises several planted gardens featuring over 800 different plant species.  The Zoo, which receives over 1.5 million visitors per year, is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Please click here to learn more about Betty!