MNN - Mother Nature Network

Betty White, one of America's most celebrated and beloved actresses, turns 91 today - and to celebrate, she's hoping to raise $10,000 for the Morris Animal Foundation.

 

"I've worked with Morris Animal Foundation for more than 40 years now, and I'm so proud of all they've done to advance veterinary medicine for animals worldwide," she writes in an article on The Huffington Post. "This year, the Foundation will celebrate its 65th anniversary (still quite a youngster if you ask me!). Since its founding, Morris Animal Foundation has invested more than $70 million toward more than 2,000 health studies for dogs, cats, horses and hundreds of wildlife species, including my favorite: the California sea otter!"

 

The Lifeline Program, a life-settlement company for which White is a spokesperson, decided to honor her 91st with an animal adoption - but clearly, otters must have been in short supply. Instead, they went with Jacob - a red-tailed boa who appeared with White in her viral rap video for the company in 2011. 

 

“Jacob the boa constrictor is good as gold and cuddles in my arms… and around my neck,” said White of her reunion with the snake. Lifeline managed the adoption through the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s “Adopt an Animal Program.” 

 

On turning 90 last year, White said that she certainly did not feel her age. 

 

“I’m not only blessed with good health, but good energy,” she said. “I can credit my folks for the genes that put that together. But I can’t get over that at this age, I don’t feel this age. I’m not trying to be any younger. I’m not lying about my age. If I were lying about my age, I would say I was 89. I’m just at one of those good times in your life, and there’s been so many of those through those 90 years, but I’m at one of the high spots. I’m healthy enough to enjoy it. I’m surrounded by friends I adore. Isn’t that kind of the best way to sign off?”