The death of Brigitte Bardot on December 28, 2025, at the age of 91, marks a delicate period for the foundation that bears her name, as the organization's image is inextricably linked to that of its founder. But the message sent by the foundation is clear: the animal cause does not end with the icon, and everything has been planned to ensure the continuation of its work over the long term, both in France and abroad.
An organization built to last, supported by its status and resources
In a statement announcing her death, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation affirmed that it “will continue, more than ever, to carry on the work” of its founder and that her legacy remains alive through actions carried out with the same fidelity to her ideals. Founded in 1986 in Saint-Tropez, the association grew from humble beginnings, described as a simple guest room at La Madrague, before establishing itself in Paris in 1988, in a building in the 16th arrondissement which it now owns. La Madrague itself became a shareholder in the foundation in 1992.
On BFMTV, Bruno Jacquelin, head of press and public relations, asserted that the foundation is “strong” and will continue “with strength and vigor,” while acknowledging that the transition may be sensitive due to the very strong link between the institution and Bardot. This continuity also rests on a specific framework: the foundation is recognized as a public benefit organization, a status that allows it to receive bequests exempt from inheritance tax. These bequests currently represent the vast majority of its resources, with the remainder coming from donations. To maintain this connection with its supporters, the organization publishes a quarterly newsletter and also produces materials aimed at younger audiences.
Shelters, investigations, international actions: an already highly structured network
The foundation boasts over 12,000 animals rescued by "BB's Ark" and operates several sites across France, employing approximately 300 people in total. In Paris, around fifty employees work at the headquarters, where cats roam freely while awaiting adoption. In Normandy, two facilities house nearly 1,500 animals, including La Mare Auzou, which alone employs around one hundred people. In the Dordogne, the Montpon site primarily shelters farm animals, while Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, in the Île-de-France region, completes this network.
The foundation's work extends far beyond national borders: it operates in 70 countries, from rescuing domestic animals to protecting endangered species, and its legal department conducts hundreds of investigations into animal abuse each year. Until the very end, Brigitte Bardot closely followed the foundation's activities: according to Bruno Jacquelin, quoted by AFP, even when she was less active, she remained reachable and regularly returned calls. In an interview with BFMTV last May, she was still calling for the abolition of fox hunting, describing the issue as a "horror" and urging the government to take action after decades of unanswered appeals. The foundation maintains this "ultimate battle" among its priorities, alongside other demands such as banning bullfighting for minors and ending the consumption of horse meat. Finally, PETA has called on the public to take action "today" to ensure that the cause championed by Bardot continues to gain momentum.
