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    The world's most beloved animal lover, Betty White, turns 91 today! We know how she spent her Christmas, so we're going to guess that she wants nothing more than to celebrate her birthday with all of her furry, finned and feathered friends. We love you, Betty! But not as much as your pals in the animal kingdom must love you. Here are some of our favorite moments of Betty and her creature compadres. Here's to many more years filled with heartwarming moments like these! 

    ANIMAL INSTINCT 

    Betty White's love for four-legged friends began even before she was born. Both her father and her mother were huge animal lovers. During the Great Depression, she recalls her father regularly taking in strays. In this photo, taken in 1954, Betty poses with her dogs Bandy, Stormy and Danny. 

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    JUNGLE INSIDE JOKES

    Betty is clearly laughing at an inside joke she shares with an African eagle from the Los Angeles Zoo. In 2006, she was honored as ambassador to the animals by the city for her dedication to animal humanity.

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    BOA BABE

    Scared of snakes? No way! Betty bravely holds a Columbia Red Tail Boa Constrictor around her neck at the L.A. Zoo Association's 40th Annual "Beastly Ball." She sure seems to be all smiles about it! 

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    NURSE BETTY

    Even when she appears on late-night TV, Betty prefers being filmed with a furry friend by her side. During an interview on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," Betty bottle-feeds a baby porcupine. Because, why not? 

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    COUGAR TOWN

    In 2006, three major animal-loving ladies gathered round for a photo with a tiger cub at the Playboy Mansion. Founder and director of the Wildlife Waystation Martine Collette, actress Loretta Swit and Betty White pose at the 12th Annual Safari Brunch for the Wildlife Waystation. 

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    CHRISTMAS WITH THE CANINE

    Just this past December, Betty got into the Christmas spirit with Max, the Grinch's canine sidekick. Betty received the "Who-Manitarian of the Year" award at the Grinchmas' Holiday celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood. What a wonderful present! 

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    BEAR CUB CONVO

    Betty White chats it up with a black bear at the Los Angeles Zoo in December. We're guessing that they're discussing their respective holiday plans. 

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    UP CLOSE & PAWSONAL 

    Betty White cuddles up with Jimmy Fallon's puppy, Gary, during her interview on his show. Looks like she'd rather talk to Gary than his owner, right? 

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    SLOW & STEADY

    Although Betty has a soft spot for her puppy pals, she loves animals of all shapes, sizes and speeds — tortoises included! Here she is with Toby the Indonesian Elongated Tortoise at the L.A. Zoo. 

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    BETTY & LINUS

    Instead of posing with her human costars, Betty chose to walk the red carpet with '"Bringing Down The House" star Linus during the premiere at Los Angeles' El Capitan theater. 

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    BIRD IS THE WORLD 

    At the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's 40th Annual "Beastly Ball," Betty holds up her Macaw pal to show off its beautifully colored feathers. 

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    Next: Pets Who Look Like Steve Buscemi

    LATE-NIGHT SNACK 

    Animal expert Jarod Miller teaches Jay Leno and Betty White how to properly feed a giraffe on "The Tonight Show." We're sure Betty was a natural!