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Two African elephants, Julie and Kariba, are set to begin a new chapter in their lives as they transition to a sanctuary in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Both elephants, aged in their 40s, have spent years in captivity—Julie at a circus in Portugal since 1988 and Kariba alone in a Belgian zoo. Their move, scheduled for next month, marks a significant step towards improving the welfare of captive elephants in Europe.
The sanctuary, operated by the charity Pangea, is the first large-scale elephant sanctuary in Europe. It has been under development for ten years on a former cattle ranch, which is being restored to create a more natural habitat for the elephants. The facility, spanning 70 acres with plans to expand to 1,000 acres, aims to provide Julie and Kariba with ample space to roam, socialize, and engage in natural behaviors typical of their species.
Pangea emphasizes the importance of autonomy for the elephants, who require specialized care due to their complex needs. The sanctuary will not be open to the public, focusing instead on creating an environment where the elephants can thrive without the stress of human interaction. This approach is particularly critical given the stark differences in life expectancy between elephants in captivity and those in the wild. African elephants in captivity typically live only 17 years, while their wild counterparts can reach up to 56 years.
The move comes in the wake of Portugal’s ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, which will be fully enforced by 2025. Julie’s relocation is facilitated through a voluntary agreement between Pangea and the Cardinali family, who have owned her for decades. The decision was made with the elephants’ best interests in mind, highlighting a growing recognition of the need for better conditions for captive animals.
The sanctuary’s expansive land will not only benefit the elephants but also the surrounding ecosystem. Pangea plans to implement rewilding principles, allowing the elephants to play a role in reshaping the land and enhancing biodiversity. As the sanctuary develops, it aims to support a population of 20 to 30 elephants, creating a sustainable environment that reflects the historical range of elephants in the Iberian Peninsula.
This initiative represents a significant advancement in elephant welfare and underscores the growing movement toward providing better living conditions for captive animals in Europe.
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