Brigitte Bardot to move to Russia to save French elephants

Famous French actress Brigitte Bardot threatened the French authorities, following her colleague Gerard Depardieu, that she would seek Russian citizenship. Bardot, being an active defender of animals, tries to attract public  attention to the euthanasia of sick elephants in a Lyon circus.

The decision to put down two elephants - Baby and Nepal - was in December 2012 by the prefect of Lyon on suspicion that the animals could have TB. The circus director challenged the measure at court, but the first instance court sided with the city administration.

To save the animals, Brigitte Bardot announced that she would follow the example of Gerard Depardieu, who renounced the French citizenship and moved to Russia, should the authorities decide to put down the elephants. The legend of world cinematography released the statement of her intention today through her foundation.

"If those who have the power, cowardly and shamelessly kill two elephants, Baby and Nepal ... I'll seek the Russian citizenship to escape from this country, which has become an animal graveyard," said Bardot.

At first she sent an open letter to President François Hollande. Bardot emphasized that "elephants can be cured."

Earlier, the actress commented on the campaign against French actor Gerard Depardieu.

"Let them hoard their venom and anger, their vulgarity, lack of talent and envy for those who deserve it. I support Depardieu, who became a victim of  completely unnecessary harassment," the actress said.

Gerard Depardieu refused from French citizenship because of possible changes in tax policy and contemptuous comments from the Prime Minister of France regarding the actor's move to Belgium. As a result, the actor asked the Russian authorities to give him a Russian passport. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree granting Russian citizenship to Depardieu.