Portugal’s Last Circus Elephant Finds a Home at Europe’s First Large-Scale Sanctuary

Julie, a 40-year-old African elephant who spent decades with the Victor Hugo Cardinali Circus, became the inaugural resident of the Pangea Elephant Sanctuary in Portugal’s Alentejo region. The 400-hectare facility, situated between Vila Viçosa and Alandroal, offers Julie space to roam, forage and take mud baths as she adjusts to life after the circus. Sanctuary staff report that she is exploring her new environment and showing “remarkable energy” each day. A second elephant, Kariba—also in her 40s and currently recovering from a foot injury—has been slated to join Julie once cleared for travel.

Portugal’s last circus elephant reaches her forever homePortugal’s last circus elephant arrives at Europe’s first elephant sanctuary — Species Unite

Portugal approved a ban on wild animals in circuses in 2018, granting operators a transition period. The legislation took full effect in 2024, compelling circus owners to rehome their animals. Julie’s relocation marks the culmination of this policy shift, symbolizing the end of a practice that had persisted for decades.

Portugal’s last circus elephant reaches her forever home

Pangea describes itself as Europe’s first large-scale elephant sanctuary, designed to provide lifelong homes for retired circus and zoo elephants. The sanctuary plans to accommodate up to 30 individuals, drawing on models from Africa, Asia and the Americas. Residents will receive specialist veterinary care while being encouraged to socialize in a natural-habitat setting.

Portugal’s last circus elephant reaches her forever homePortugal’s last circus elephant arrives at Europe’s first elephant sanctuary — Species Unite

Pangea’s managing director, Kate Moore, emphasized that the sanctuary’s partnership model aims to give owners a viable solution for elephants that can no longer be kept in captivity. The organization noted that Julie will require support for health and mobility issues common to elephants of her age and history, with care overseen by a specialist team. The sanctuary remains closed to visitors to ensure a quiet adjustment period for its residents.

Portugal’s last circus elephant reaches her forever home

• “Julie is the first elephant to call Pangea home, and there could be no more fitting first resident than Portugal's last circus elephant,” — Kate Moore, Managing Director, Pangea

Portugal’s last circus elephant arrives at Europe’s first elephant sanctuary — Species Unite

• “Many circuses and zoos across Europe are reaching the point where keeping elephants is no longer possible or appropriate, and they need somewhere to turn.” — Kate Moore, Managing Director, Pangea

Portugal’s last circus elephant arrives at Europe’s first elephant sanctuary — Species Unite

• “With her background, Julie will need support for health and mobility problems common in elephants of her age and history. Her care will be overseen by Pangea's specialist team.” — Pangea statement

Portugal’s last circus elephant arrives at Europe’s first elephant sanctuary — Species Unite

• “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.” — Kate Moore, Director-General, Pangea

Portugal’s last circus elephant reaches her forever home

• “Even so, Moore said Julie has shown remarkable energy since arriving at the sanctuary, offering hope that she will enjoy many peaceful years ahead.” — Kate Moore, Director-General, Pangea

Portugal’s last circus elephant reaches her forever home