After many decades living in the circus, Portugal's last circus elephant has found a long-awaited permanent home. Julie, a 40-year-old African elephant, has become the first resident of the new Pangaea Elephant Sanctuary in the Alentejo region, marking an important step in the country's transition away from using wild animals in circuses following the full implementation of the national ban.
A New Beginning for Julie
Julie was born in Africa and arrived in Portugal in the late 1980s. For many years, she spent time at Victor Hugo Cardinal Circus. Although Portugal approved legislation banning wild animals in circuses, the law only came into full effect in 2024, giving organizers time to move their animals.
However, finding a suitable sanctuary for the elephant proved to be a difficult task. Now settled in her new four-hundred-hectare home between Vila Visosa and Alandroal in Alentejo, Julie is already exploring the surroundings, choosing places for walks and enjoying her first mud bath. According to the sanctuary, she is adapting well and feels more comfortable in the new environment each day.
The First Major Sanctuary in Europe
Pangaea positions itself as the first large-scale elephant sanctuary in Europe, created to provide lifelong housing for elephants retired from circuses and zoos. This sanctuary will eventually be able to accommodate up to 30 elephants on its extensive natural territory, where residents are encouraged to roam freely, feed, and socialize while receiving specialized veterinary care. This project follows successful models of sanctuaries already operating in Africa, Asia, and America.
Currently, Julie is the only resident of the sanctuary, but another African elephant, Cariba, is expected to join her after completing treatment for a leg injury.
Giving a Chance to Retired Elephants
Kate Moore, CEO of Pangaea, called Julie's arrival a landmark moment. This is not only because she is the first resident of the sanctuary but also because she was the last wild animal associated with the Portuguese circus. While wild elephants can live over 70 years, captive elephants often have a significantly shorter lifespan. Nevertheless, Moore noted that Julie has shown remarkable energy since arriving at the sanctuary, offering hope that she will live out long, peaceful years.
The sanctuary is currently closed to visitors, allowing Julie and future residents the necessary quiet space to settle into their new home.
