Portugal Opens First European Elephant Sanctuary

Why this is here: Kariba, orphaned in Zimbabwe after poachers killed her herd in the 1980s, spent roughly four decades living in European zoos before being slated for relocation.

In the Alentejo region of Portugal, about 200 kilometers from Lisbon, Pangea sanctuary opened to receive elephants rescued from zoos and circuses. The sanctuary prioritizes animal wellbeing over tourism, offering a space free from performances and enclosures. Julie, formerly a circus elephant in Portugal, and Kariba, an African elephant orphaned in Zimbabwe during the 1980s, will be its first residents.

Kariba’s transfer has been temporarily delayed due to a foot abscess, a common ailment for elephants raised in captivity. Veterinary staff are providing care, and Pangea confirmed she will move only when fully recovered. Research shows female African elephants in zoos live shorter lives than those in the wild, and infant mortality rates are higher.

Pangea currently spans 28 hectares, with plans to expand to over 400, and aims to restore the local ecosystem through rewilding practices. Kate Moore, the sanctuary’s director, hopes to offer the elephants a life as close to their natural state as possible.