San Diego Zoo honors Betty White for her support

SAN DIEGO — Actress Betty White was awarded San Diego Zoo Global’s Conservation Medal at a luncheon Thursday.

White, who played the bawdy Sue Ann Nivens on the “Mary Tyler Moore Show” and Rose Nylund on “The Golden Girls” and currently stars in “Hot in Cleveland,” was honored for her support of zoos and wildlife organizations around the world.

“Betty White has worked to support the Morris Animal Foundation for more than 40 years, traveling all over the country to spread the word,” said Joan Embery, conservation ambassador for San Diego Zoo Global and a co- recipient with her husband, Duane Pillsbury, of the 2011 Conservation Medal. “I am really amazed at her efforts and dedication.”

Zoo officials said White has worked to raise awareness and funds for zoos, animal rescue programs and wildlife conservation centers.

She is co-chair of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association and has been a trustee of the Morris Animal Foundation — a nonprofit that works to advance veterinary science — since 1971.

Jane Goodall is among the past recipients of the medal.