Brigitte Bardot dies at 91: Her crusade for Hungarian animal welfare

Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actress and animal rights activist, passed away at age 91 on December 28, 2025, as confirmed by her foundation. Her lifelong dedication to animal welfare included specific advocacy for Hungarian animals, making her a relevant figure for us at Daily News Hungary. Key connections involve protesting puppy smuggling from Hungary and rescuing Hungarian wolves.

Bardot’s animal activism

Bardot founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986, focusing on global animal protection, including campaigns against bear dancing in nearby Bulgaria and stray dog culls in Romania. She mobilised masses against practices like seal clubbing, bullfighting, and whaling, often criticising politicians directly. Her efforts led to bans on seal fur and ivory imports in Europe and France.

Ties to Hungarian animals

Bardot spoke out against the smuggling of Hungarian puppies into France, visiting a shelter in Nice that housed 140 illegally transported pups from Hungary and calling for stronger animal welfare laws. She rescued 50 Hungarian wolves, relocating them to France’s Gevaudan nature park to protect them from harm.

Below: Brigitte Bardot watching one of the 50 Hungarian wolves she rescued and transferred to the nature park of Gevaudan. Location: Marvejols, France.

Embed from Getty Images

Brigitte Bardot’s memory

In her memory, Bardot’s words resonate: “We must treat animals as living beings, not objects.” Her legacy urges Hungary to strengthen protections against puppy smuggling and wildlife threats. Local readers can support ongoing efforts by contacting the Fondation Brigitte Bardot at contact@fondationbrigittebardot.fr or visiting fondationbrigittebardot.fr to donate or volunteer: many campaigns still address Eastern European animal issues.