Betty White’s Trust Faces Legal Hurdle Over Using Her Money to Help L.A. Zoo Animals

Betty White‘s trust is facing legal issues over the late actress’s efforts to help take care of animals at the L.A. Zoo.

TMZ reported on Thursday, September 17, that according to a complaint filed by the trustee for Betty’s trust — which was last modified in 2020 prior to her death — a portion of White’s fortune was to be used for regular donations to the L.A. Zoo.

The Golden Girls alum, who died in 2021 at the age of 99, was heavily involved with the zoo during her lifetime and was a known animal lover, with White serving as a trustee and commissioner for the nonprofit, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), for over 40 years, helping fund exhibits and raise awareness.

According to the docs, the trust directed her donations through GLAZA, which worked with the L.A. Zoo, but those groups have since cut ties.

The trustee is asking the court for permission to work around the nonprofit originally named in the trust, which is no longer affiliated with the L.A. Zoo and is currently locked in litigation with the city, the docs note.

Instead, the funds would be distributed through other organizations that have existing ties to the zoo.

According to the trustee, changing the arrangement would simply ensure the Proposal actress’ original wishes are honored: that her money goes toward caring for animals at the L.A. Zoo.

A judge has yet to decide whether to approve the request, leaving the decision in limbo for now.

In addition to her work with the L.A. Zoo, White served as the longest-running supporter of the American Humane Society, working for over 70 years on the board of directors and supporting the “No Animals Were Harmed®” program.

A lifelong animal lover, she even aspired to become a forest ranger or zookeeper before going to Hollywood.

“I often say that I have to stay in show business to pay for my animal business,” White, who championed many animal-forward causes during her decades-long career, allegedly liked to joke, according to a CNN report following her death.