A few days ago, Libération published an article dedicated to the enormous legacy left by Brigitte Bardot through her animal foundation, created in 1986. According to their calculations, the 2024 balance sheet – the last known one – shows 178 million euros in assets and over 35 million euros in investments.
Later, Le Parisien also focused on this legacy, visiting the former sheepfold in Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, Yvelines, bequeathed by the actress to her foundation in 2006. Transformed into an animal sanctuary, the place is described as a true “Noah’s Ark”, housing dogs, cats, sheep, and other animals. Notably, Brigitte Bardot’s four dogs were present there. Bernard d’Ormale, Bardot’s former partner, resides in the thatched roof house, where she sought refuge from the madness of Saint-Tropez.
The article also addresses the inheritance of Brigitte Bardot, assuring that there will be no conflict between her son and the foundation. The organization’s general director, Guyslaine Calmels-Bock, expresses confidence in the preparedness of the estate transfer and dismisses portrayals of her as an authoritarian decision-maker. Despite her son being set to inherit half of Bardot’s estate, including La Madrague bequeathed to the foundation since long ago, Calmels-Bock is optimistic about a smooth process.
Lastly, the foundation continues to thrive even after Bardot’s passing, with donations pouring in to support its work. The foundation, with 300 employees and a budget of 40 to 50 million euros, relies mainly on legacies for its funding. The only concern highlighted is the war in Ukraine affecting the supply of food for the animals, but overall, the foundation remains stable and optimistic about its future.
