Betty White’s beloved bear cub, Bam Bam, died just a few months after the actress’s death.
An animal lover reunited with her beloved bear friend after they met in 2018.
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Betty is known for her roles in The Golden Girls, Hot in Cleveland, The Mary Tyler Moore Show and many others, but one aspect of her life was much more important to her – animals.
Bam Bam was a bear that Betty met at the Los Angeles Zoo just a few years ago.
Her official Instagram page, now run by her personal assistant Kirsten Michelas, shared the news of the bear’s passing.
Back from hiatus with a bittersweet post. This boy is reunited with this lady who loved him so much,” they wrote, adding rainbow emoji.
Ending the post with a three heart emoji, she said, “Bam Bam was just an impressive creature. He will be greatly missed by all those who loved him.”
Kirsten shared the news in the early morning of June 14 and added four photos to the post.
The first three showed Betty hugging, talking to, and rubbing against the bear.
In the latter, she sat next to her friend, the late Georgia Engel, who died in April 2019.
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They both smiled and snuggled up to the bear sitting on the wooden bench.
Fans and followers of Betty’s page expressed their condolences and said that now he and Betty are in good hands.
Rest in peace bam bam.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
Betty may have been a legendary actress, but she was an animal lover first.
She first met Bam Bam in 2018 while filming the documentary The First Lady of Television.
In the clip, Betty casually sat next to a large brown bear before kissing him.
The Proposal actress fed Bam Bam marshmallows and spoke to him lovingly.
He made such an impression on her that she cardboard cutout made and placed in her office with one of her admirers, Robert Redford, so she could see them every day.
Just days after she would have turned 100, her assistant shared a photo of two cutouts wearing party hats.
“Betty’s two absolute favorites are Bam Bam and Bob,” read the caption.
“They were in our office and she greeted everyone on arrival – ‘hello guys’ and blew them kisses when she left – ‘her, me, next time.’ “
She added that they dressed up for Betty’s birthday.
ANIMAL PROTECTION
In her documentary, Betty spoke about her love for animals and how she would be remembered for it rather than playing.
“This is my life. The reason I work, the reason I do things is because of my love for animals,” she said in the film.
Georgia even stated in the documentary, “She keeps saying, ‘I have to keep doing my acting job to keep my animal interests going.’
Throughout her life, the actress has worked with numerous animal charities, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, the African Wildlife Fund, and the Morris Animal Foundation.
She was also honorary president Morris Animal Foundation and member of the company’s board of directors Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.
Betty volunteered to protect animals, but also donated a lot of money to help and protect her beloved creatures.
LEAVE A LEGACY
Betty sadly passed away on December 31, 2021 from a stroke.
While the world mourned her death, they also wanted to remember her in a special way.
So, for her 100th birthday, fans created the Betty White Challenge and donated to animal shelters, zoos, rescue organizations and organizations on January 17th.
The Los Angeles Zoo said it was “deflated” upon receipt. over $70,000 in donations from the call.
Greater Orlando Pet Alliance received over $50,500 in donations while several animal charities grossed over $30,000 each.
At the time of her death, Betty left behind her golden retriever Pontiac, which she had had since he was a puppy.
She was big dog lover and has been the owner of many throughout her life.
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