‘A true champion for all animals,’ Columbus Zoo reacts to death of Betty White

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium remembered Betty White as a “true champion for all animals” after she passed away on Friday.

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“Our hearts are heavy hearing of the passing of our friend Betty White,” the zoo said in statement.

White was the guest of honor at the zoo’s opening of the Heart of Africa region in 2014 with Jack Hanna, the zoo said. According to a social media post, White first visited the Columbus Zoo in 1979 and instantly became friends with Hanna.

>> Photos: Betty White through the years

“Betty was a wonderful person, a supporter of the Columbus Zoo, and a true champion for all animals. She will be greatly missed,” the zoo said.

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