Bob Barker and Betty White, iconic figures in American television, shared a passion for animal welfare. However, their views were at odds when it came to the fate of an elephant named Billy at the Los Angeles Zoo. This disagreement became fodder for celebrity gossip, with Barker advocating for Billy’s relocation to a sanctuary, while White, deeply involved with the zoo, supported the renovation of the elephant exhibit.
In January 2009, Barker, Cher, and Lily Tomlin spoke out against the renovation at a Los Angeles City Council meeting, and Barker even offered to contribute $1.5 million towards moving Billy. This was not the first time Barker had expressed opposition to the exhibit, as he had previously called the conditions in which the elephants lived “misery” in 2006.
The zoo’s nonprofit partner, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, defended the renovation, stating that the zoo provided a home for the elephants and offered exceptional care and veterinary services. White, who had a relationship with the zoo spanning over five decades, viewed it as her second home. She voiced her support for the renovation at a City Council meeting and spoke highly of the project in a 2012 interview, emphasizing the positive impact it had on both the elephants and visitors.
Representatives for Barker and White have not provided comments on the matter. The disagreement between the two even sparked rumors of a feud, with a publication in The National Enquirer claiming that Barker had threatened to boycott a Game Show Awards ceremony if White attended. However, neither Barker nor White addressed these rumors publicly. Ultimately, Barker did attend the award show in 2009 to accept an honor for his work on “The Price Is Right,” while White made a video tribute to a producer at the event.
In recent years, White reportedly attempted to reconcile with Barker, according to The National Enquirer. However, the source of this information remains anonymous.
As of now, Billy still resides at the zoo. However, in December 2022, a Los Angeles City Council committee recommended moving Billy to a sanctuary after 30 years. Cher and Tomlin continue to support this effort, while the zoo maintains confidence in its animal care team and disagrees with the relocation campaign.
Overall, this longstanding dispute between Barker and White highlights their shared dedication to animal welfare and their divergent views on how best to care for elephants like Billy.
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