A Family Legacy Continues: Manon Héau Takes the Reins of Her Mother’s Animal Training Business

At 22 years old, Manon Héau has stepped into the role of leading her mother’s animal training business for film and a public animal park, following the tragic death of her mother, Muriel Bec, in August 2025. The transition represents a continuation of a family legacy deeply rooted in the world of animal behavior and cinematic production.

A Childhood Immersed in the Animal Kingdom

Manon Héau’s upbringing was anything but ordinary. Growing up at “Rendez-vous en terre animale” in Sury-aux-Bois, Loiret, she was surrounded by a diverse range of animals from a young age, including wild boars, panthers, and wolves. “I always grew up with animals, from wild boars to panthers. They all came here as babies, they grew up in my bed when they were still little. So obviously, we understand them all incredibly well,” she explained. This close proximity fostered a deep understanding and connection with the animals, a bond that would prove invaluable in her future role.

Following in Her Mother’s Footsteps

Muriel Bec was a prominent figure in the film industry, renowned for her expertise in animal training and staging. Her sudden passing left a void, but Manon was determined to carry on her mother’s work. Having already spent a year working within the family business prior to her mother’s death, Manon was prepared to take on the challenge. She now manages both the animal park, which is open to the public, and the animal training services for film productions, overseeing a team of 13 employees.

The Art of Animal Training for Cinema

The process of preparing animals for film sets is a meticulous one. Manon emphasizes the importance of early acclimation. “A film set is a difficult and special stage that requires a lot of work beforehand. Then the fact of being able to solicit the animal and ask it to perform a particular action is something else again. But the first step is to have an animal that is comfortable on a film set,” she stated. Animals are introduced to cameras and lighting from a young age to minimize stress and ensure a smooth production process.

A Unique Connection with the Animals

Central to the success of the business is the strong relationship between the trainers and the animals. Manon describes it as learning to “read them, to understand them, to exchange with them, to speak the same language.” This approach, focused on positive reinforcement and understanding each animal’s personality, is key to eliciting desired behaviors without coercion. “We accompany the animal, there is no power struggle created at any time. You have to succeed in bringing out the best in their personality,” she insists.

A Business Graduate at the Helm

Manon Héau isn’t just inheriting a legacy; she’s bringing a modern perspective to the business. A graduate of business school, she combines her practical experience with a formal education to manage the company effectively. Despite the demanding schedule, balancing park management with film projects, Manon remains passionate about her work and dedicated to preserving her mother’s vision.

Looking Ahead

“I have within me the desire for the story to live on!” Manon declared, expressing her commitment to continuing her mother’s legacy. With a strong foundation built on years of experience and a genuine love for animals, she is well-positioned to lead the family business into the future. She is currently preparing for a new film project in Paris with her dog, demonstrating her continued involvement in the world of cinematic animal training.