Portugal's Last Circus Elephant Thrives in New Sanctuary
Former circus elephant Julie gains weight and finds freedom in a vast Portuguese sanctuary.
1Transition to Freedom
Julie, the last circus elephant in Portugal, has successfully transitioned to the Pangea Sanctuary in the Alentejo region. After arriving in June following a voluntary agreement with the Victor Hugo Cardinali circus, she has spent four months adapting to her new 400-hectare enclosure, which offers her unprecedented freedom and autonomy.
2Physical and Behavioral Recovery
Since her arrival, Julie has gained approximately 100 kilograms, a healthy development attributed to increased physical activity. Unlike her previous life confined to a shed, she now enjoys 24-hour access to diverse habitats. Her favorite activities include exploring various trails and wallowing in mud pools, signaling a significant improvement in well-being.
3Legislative Context of Relocation
Portugal implemented a ban on wild animals in circuses in 2018, though the law only took full effect in 2024. This grace period allowed circuses to find suitable homes for their animals. Julie, who was captured in Africa 40 years ago and joined the circus in 1988, represents the first success of this initiative.
4Strategic Climate Selection
The Alentejo region was specifically chosen for its warm climate, which mimics the natural environments of Africa. Sanctuary manager Ryan Hockley noted that the landscape shares similarities with regions in Tanzania or Kenya. This environmental match is essential for the health and comfort of elephants transitioning from captivity to a more natural life.
5Sanctuary Capacity and Goals
Pangea Sanctuary aims to expand its operations to accommodate between 20 and 30 elephants in the future. Currently, it stands as a large-scale facility in Europe, offering significantly more space than existing sanctuaries in France. The facility remains closed to visitors to ensure the animals maintain the tranquility required for their rehabilitation.
6Addressing Captivity Challenges
There are currently over 600 elephants living in captivity across Europe, many of whom reside in suboptimal conditions. The sanctuary serves as a critical solution for these animals, whether they come from zoos or circuses. By providing a large-scale habitat, the project addresses the urgent need for better welfare standards for captive elephants.
7Upcoming Sanctuary Residents
Julie will soon be joined by Kariba, another African elephant currently residing in a Belgian circus. Although her transfer was delayed due to a series of infections, she is expected to arrive in November once her health is stable. This addition marks the next step in the sanctuary's mission to house multiple elephants.
8Long-term Conservation Impact
The establishment of this sanctuary represents a shift in how captive animals are managed in Europe. By prioritizing animal autonomy and natural behavior, the project sets a precedent for future conservation efforts. The success of Julie's transition highlights the importance of providing specialized, large-scale environments for animals rescued from long-term circus confinement.
Original article: Euronews – Latest — Portugal's Last Circus Elephant Thrives in New Sanctuary