Betty White, Ocean Legacy Circle donor since 2014

On December 31, 2021, Betty White passed away, just weeks short of her 100th birthday. Betty was a dear friend and a generous supporter of the Aquarium. As a surprise birthday gift to Betty, we planned to rename our legacy giving program in her honor. While it is now in her memory instead, the Betty White Ocean Legacy Circle inspires others to follow Betty’s generous example.

Betty’s curiosity, intelligence, and strategic vision that made her a pioneer in Hollywood also drove her work to improve the lives of wildlife and domestic animals. Especially fond of sea otters, Betty became a passionate supporter of this threatened species, which she loved to watch from her home overlooking Carmel Bay and Point Lobos.

Betty was a frequent visitor to the Aquarium, where she would interact with our sea otters. During a behind-the-scenes tour she became a pro at feeding the otters and one day even donned surgical scrubs to help Dr. Mike, our Jane Dunaway Director of Veterinary Services, implant a radio tag on a rehabilitated sea otter being readied for release to the wild.

The Betty White Ocean Legacy Circle giving program recognizes individuals who—like Betty—have included the Aquarium in their estate plans. Most of the proceeds from bequests are directed to our endowment funds, providing an enduring source of support. We are deeply grateful for Betty’s friendship, support, and generosity.