After decades in the circus, Portugal’s last circus elephant is finally getting the life she deserves. Julie, a 40-year-old African elephant, has become the first resident of the new Pangea Elephant Sanctuary in the Alentejo region, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition away from wild animals in circuses following the full implementation of the national ban.
Screenshot from Pangea Facebook video
A new beginning for Julie
Captured in Africa as a calf, Julie arrived in Portugal in the late 1980s, where she spent decades with the Victor Hugo Cardinali Circus. Although Portugal approved legislation banning wild animals in circuses in 2018, the law did not fully come into force until 2024, giving operators time to rehome their animals. Finding a suitable sanctuary for an elephant, however, proved far from straightforward.
Now settled into her new 400-hectare home between Vila Viçosa and Alandroal in the Alentejo, Julie has already been exploring her surroundings, choosing where to roam and even enjoying her first mud bath.
According to the sanctuary, she is adapting well and growing more comfortable with her new environment each day.
Europe’s first large-scale elephant sanctuary
Pangea describes itself as Europe’s first large-scale elephant sanctuary, created to provide lifelong homes for elephants retired from circuses and zoos.
The sanctuary can eventually accommodate up to 30 elephants across its expansive natural habitat, where residents are encouraged to roam, forage and socialise while receiving specialist veterinary care. The project follows successful sanctuary models already operating in Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Julie is currently the sanctuary’s only resident, but another African elephant, Kariba, is expected to join her once her veterinary treatment for a foot injury is complete.
Giving captive elephants a second chance
Kate Moore, Pangea’s director-general, described Julie’s arrival as a landmark moment, not only because she is the sanctuary’s first resident but also because she was the last wild animal still associated with a Portuguese circus.
While wild elephants can live for more than 70 years, elephants that have spent their lives in captivity often have significantly shorter lifespans. Even so, Moore said Julie has shown remarkable energy since arriving at the sanctuary, offering hope that she will enjoy many peaceful years ahead.
For now, the sanctuary remains closed to visitors, allowing Julie and future residents the quiet space they need to settle into their new home.
SOURCE: Euro News
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