In addition to announcing new operating hours, the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium of the Americas took to Twitter to confirm a remarkable story about late actress Betty White who died on December 31 at age 99.

Photo via Monterey Bay Aquarium Facebook pageIn 2005, when the penguins and sea otters were being evacuated from the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina, the actress knwon for her roles in The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, anonymously donated funds to transport the animals to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California. The animal lover was a loyal supporter of the Monterrey Bay Aquarium from its beginnings, contributing to the organization’s many programs to inspire ocean conservation.

On January 1, in gratitude to White, the Audubon Nature Institute tweeted: “We lost a conservationist, animal advocate, and friend. When the penguins & sea otters were evacuated to [Monterey Bay Aquarium] for Hurricane Katrina, Betty White paid for the plane to relocate them. She did not ask for fanfare; she just wanted to help.” In a reference to the theme song for The Golden Girls, the tweet included the hashtag #ThankYouForBeingAFriend” and a heart emoji.

Sharing love from the West Coast, the Monterey Bay Aquarium posted on Facebook: “Thank you, Betty, for your boundless passion for wildlife and for your loving support of the Aquarium’s mission of ocean conservation since day one. We look forward to continuing your legacy of care and compassion for our living planet—we’re grateful to have been a part of your wonderful life.”

White was an early supporter of the aquarium in Monterey, California. Early proposals to build a public aquarium in Monterey County were not successful until a group of four marine biologists affiliated with Stanford University revisited the concept in the late 1970s. Monterey Bay Aquarium was built at the site of a defunct sardine cannery and has been recognized for its architectural achievements by the American Institute of Architects. Along with its architecture, the aquarium has won numerous awards for its exhibition of marine life, ocean conservation efforts and educational programs. Disney Pixar fans may notice the aquarium’s similarities to the one depicted in the 2016 film Finding Dory. Animators used the aquarium as part of the inspiration for the film.

Beginning in 2022, both the Audubon Zoo and the Aquarium of the Americas will be open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both facilities will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. (Previously, Audubon Zoo was open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit audubonnatureinstitute.org for holidays and special openings hours.

To donate to Monterey Bay Aquarium, visit here.