Portugal’s Last Circus Elephant Begins New Life at Alentejo Sanctuary

Julie, described by Pangea as Portugal’s last elephant and the last wild animal remaining in a Portuguese circus, has begun a new life at a wildlife sanctuary in Alentejo, southern Portugal.

She was transferred from the Víctor Hugo Cardinali circus through a voluntary agreement and became the first elephant at the Pangea Sanctuary. Julie arrived in June, although the year of her transfer was not specified.

The sanctuary was established to provide a long-term home for elephants from circuses, zoos and other facilities across Europe. The 1,000-acre property extends across the municipalities of Alandroal and Vila Viçosa.

Adjusting to a new environment

Johnny Nascimento, an elephant caretaker, said Julie was initially shy in her new surroundings. After approximately one week, she began to trust the environment and choose when to go outside.

“Julie was shy,” Nascimento said, describing the challenge of arriving somewhere unfamiliar. He added that she gradually began deciding for herself when to venture outdoors.

Nascimento also said Julie had been exploring and changing the space around her. He described her as clearing trails and making the sanctuary feel like her own home.

Ryan Hockley, manager of Pangea Sanctuary, said Julie had gained around 100 kilograms during the period covered by his comments, when she had been at the sanctuary for just over three months.

Hockley attributed the change in part to Julie’s increased freedom to move. She has continuous access to the barn and either of the sanctuary’s two habitats, allowing her to choose where to spend her time and exercise more than she previously did.

A European home for elephants

Pangea is a UK Trust, and the sanctuary was opened with funds collected from other organisations and donors. Its location in Alentejo was selected partly because the region’s warm weather can offer a climate similar to the elephants’ native Africa.

Hockley said Portugal’s climate and landscape could create an African feel for elephants living in Europe. The sanctuary’s purpose is to provide an environment as close as possible to their homeland while keeping them in Europe.

Pangea plans to expand the facility and eventually accommodate between 20 and 30 elephants. Kariba, another elephant from a circus in Belgium, is expected to arrive in November, although the year was not specified.

The sanctuary will not be open to the public. Its stated focus is providing space and care for elephants arriving from circuses, zoos and other settings.

Portugal’s circus-animal restrictions

Portugal banned wild animals in circuses in 2018. The law took effect in 2024, allowing time for adjustment and for solutions to be found for animals affected by the change.

The Víctor Hugo Cardinali circus had no place to send Julie after the restrictions, according to the background provided for the transfer. Her move to Pangea has now placed her at the sanctuary created to receive elephants from across Europe.