I will carry his memory in my heart forever.
We love you."
Barker was also famed for his passion for animal rights and pet population control.
Like Barker, White was a long-time staple of game shows.
White and Barker both enjoyed long careers on TV, and both died at age 99.
Most of all, they were both as devoted to animals as they were to performing.
White, who owned pets all her life, was active in organizations such as the ASPCA.
It’s surprising, then, that the two TV icons would find themselves sparring over an elephant.
However, White, who worked closely with the zoo, supported its work with Billy.
She once toldSmithsonian Magazine, “So many people have a closed mind on zoos.
They think no animal should be in captivity … From there, the two didn’t cross paths often.
Maybe a couple of old dogs could teach each other some new tricks.”
Barker was reportedly unmoved.
As far as can be determined, Barker and White never reconciled before their deaths.
Meanwhile, the battle for Billy the Elephant continues.
