For much of her life, Brigitte Bardot was known not only as one of France’s most recognizable film stars, but also as a passionate advocate for animals. Away from the screen, she devoted decades to animal welfare and created places where rescued and beloved animals could be cared for.

Now, following her passing at the age of 91, attention has turned to the animals she left behind.

A disagreement involving Bardot’s husband, Bernard D’Ormale, and Eric Gousset, the longtime caretaker of her La Garrigue property near Saint-Tropez, has raised questions about what will happen to the animals still living there.

The situation has also highlighted how complicated the future of a large private animal sanctuary can become when its longtime owner is no longer there to make decisions.

Brigitte Bardot’s Lifelong Connection With Animals

Brigitte Bardot became internationally famous through French cinema, but animal welfare eventually became one of the defining causes of her later life.

Over the decades, she supported campaigns for animal protection and established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which continues to work on animal welfare issues.

Her personal connection with animals was equally well known.

Bardot cared for numerous animals throughout her life, including goats, donkeys, ponies, cats, dogs and farm birds. Some became part of the unique story surrounding her homes in the Saint-Tropez region.

She reportedly once expressed a wish to be buried alongside her animals, reflecting just how deeply they were woven into her life.

The La Garrigue Animal Sanctuary

One of the properties connected to Bardot’s animal life was La Garrigue, a roughly 25-acre site located a short distance from her famous home at La Madrague.

Bardot acquired La Garrigue in 1979 and developed the property into a place where animals could live.

The site also contains a small chapel inspired by Mexican architectural styles, near which some of Bardot’s animals were reportedly buried.

For decades, the property represented an extension of Bardot’s commitment to animals and her desire to provide them with a safe environment.

But maintaining such a property requires considerable daily work, including feeding animals, cleaning living areas, monitoring their health and arranging veterinary attention when necessary.

Questions About Animal Care

In late 2025, concerns were reportedly raised about the condition of animals at La Garrigue.

According to reports, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation subsequently removed 30 animals from the caretaker’s responsibility.

The animals reportedly included goats, hens, geese, a pony and a donkey.

The foundation attributed the removals to what it described as negligence by the caretaker.

These claims have been disputed by Eric Gousset, who reportedly denied wrongdoing and maintained that he had been following Bardot’s wishes while caring for the animals.

Because the allegations involve competing accounts, the situation should be understood as an ongoing dispute rather than as a settled conclusion about individual responsibility.

Who Is Eric Gousset?

Eric Gousset, 55, reportedly managed the La Garrigue property for approximately four years.

According to his account, he remains under contract to work at the site.

Gousset has rejected allegations that he mistreated the animals and has expressed concern about their future following the changes in management.

He reportedly said that he had always attempted to follow Bardot’s wishes and described the animals as an important part of her life.

The disagreement has become particularly significant because Bardot is no longer available to provide her own instructions about their care.

What Animals Remain at La Garrigue?

Reports indicate that a number of animals were still living at the property after the Foundation removed others.

Those reportedly remaining included four dogs, 15 cats, nine sheep and four pigs.

Their future has not been fully determined.

A spokesperson for the Brigitte Bardot Foundation reportedly said that no final decision had been made regarding the animals remaining at La Garrigue.

That uncertainty has become one of the central concerns surrounding the property.

Why the Future of the Animals Matters

When an individual cares for a large number of animals over many years, the animals can become closely associated with that person’s lifestyle and property.

After the owner’s passing, however, practical questions immediately arise.

Who will provide daily care?

Who will cover veterinary expenses?

Will the animals remain at the property or move elsewhere?

Who has authority to make decisions about their future?

These questions become especially important when multiple organizations and individuals are involved.

Animal welfare groups must also consider the individual needs of each animal rather than simply treating an entire group as a single collection.

Bardot’s Relationship With Her Animals

Bardot’s relationship with animals was more than a public image.

She often spoke passionately about animal welfare and devoted much of her later life to protecting animals.

Her homes became closely associated with the animals she cared for, and she was known for remembering individual animals by name.

That personal connection helps explain why the current dispute has attracted attention.

For Bardot, animals were not simply residents of a property. They were part of her daily life and, in many cases, part of her identity.

A Legacy That Extends Beyond the Screen

Bardot’s film career made her famous around the world, but her animal advocacy became an equally important part of her public legacy.

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation has continued her work by supporting animal welfare initiatives in France and internationally.

Her story demonstrates how a public figure can use fame to draw attention to causes that might otherwise receive less visibility.

At the same time, her death illustrates the practical challenges that can accompany a lifelong commitment to animal care.

A legacy involving animals cannot simply be preserved through photographs or memories. The animals themselves still require food, shelter, attention and appropriate care every day.

What Happens Next?

For now, the future of the animals remaining at La Garrigue appears uncertain.

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation has already taken responsibility for a number of animals previously living at the property, while the status of those remaining continues to be considered.

The disagreement between D’Ormale and Gousset adds another layer of complexity.

Ultimately, the most important consideration is likely to be the welfare of the animals themselves.

Whatever arrangements are eventually made, the animals will need stable care and an environment appropriate for their individual needs.

Bardot’s Final Resting Place

Bardot had reportedly expressed a desire to be buried with her animals.

However, reports indicate that she was more likely to be laid to rest at the maritime cemetery in Saint-Tropez following her funeral.

Whether or not her final resting place reflects her original wishes, her connection with the animals she loved remains an important part of the story of her life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many animals did Brigitte Bardot care for?

Bardot cared for numerous animals throughout her life, including dogs, cats, goats, sheep, ponies, donkeys and farm birds. The number changed over time as animals were rescued, relocated or passed into other care.

What is La Garrigue?

La Garrigue is a large property near Saint-Tropez that Bardot acquired in 1979. It became closely associated with her animal welfare work and personal collection of animals.

Why were animals removed from La Garrigue?

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation reportedly removed 30 animals in November after concerns it described as caretaker negligence. The caretaker, Eric Gousset, has denied wrongdoing.

What animals reportedly remain at the property?

Reports have listed four dogs, 15 cats, nine sheep and four pigs among the animals remaining at La Garrigue.

Who will care for the remaining animals?

At the time of the reports, no final decision had been announced regarding the long-term arrangements for the animals still at the property.

A Legacy Measured in More Than Fame

Brigitte Bardot’s life was remarkable for the transformation it underwent.

She began as an internationally celebrated actress before dedicating much of her later life to animal welfare. Her name eventually became closely connected with the protection and care of animals.

Today, the animals associated with her final years are part of that legacy.

Their future may still be uncertain, but their story reminds us of an important truth: caring for animals is not only about loving them. It also requires planning, responsibility and dependable care every single day.

Bardot spent decades drawing attention to the bond between people and animals. Perhaps the most meaningful way to honor that legacy is to ensure that the creatures she cared for continue to receive the attention and protection they need.

Human curiosity often makes us look toward the lives of famous people, but stories like this invite us to look a little closer at the lives that continue after the spotlight has faded. In the end, the animals left behind may be one of the most enduring parts of Brigitte Bardot’s remarkable story.

Sources

Brigitte Bardot Foundation, information on animal welfare programs and the organization’s work.

Brigitte Bardot Foundation, public statements concerning animals previously cared for at La Garrigue.

Daily Mail, reporting on the dispute surrounding animal care at La Garrigue.

Herald Sun, reporting on developments involving Bardot’s animals and estate.

Saint-Tropez local authorities and cemetery information for background on Bardot’s connection with the town.