Europe is set to unveil its first large-scale elephant sanctuary, designed to provide a more natural living environment for some of the 600 elephants currently in captivity on the continent. The sanctuary is preparing to welcome its first inhabitants.

Next month, Julie, Portugal’s last circus elephant, will be transferred to the Pangea sanctuary, a multimillion-euro facility located in Alentejo, roughly 200 kilometers (124 miles) east of Lisbon and near the Spanish border. She will be joined by Kariba, a female African elephant in her 40s, who is relocating from a Belgian zoo where she has been isolated.

Kate Moore, managing director of Pangea, stated, “Kariba and Julie will reside in a spacious natural habitat where they can move freely, bathe, and socialize with other compatible elephants. This autonomy is crucial, and they will also receive expert care. Elephants are among the most sentient and intelligent animals on the planet, possessing intricate needs.”

The sanctuary will initially cover 28 hectares (70 acres), with plans for expansion to utilize the full 405 hectares of the former cattle ranch, pending additional fundraising efforts. The primary objective is to ensure the elephants experience as natural a life as possible, and the facility will not be open to the public.

Currently, there are 36 elephants living in solitary confinement in various European zoos, while approximately 40 are still performing in circuses. Many of these animals, including Julie and Kariba, were captured in the wild during the 1980s and are now nearing the end of their lives.

Captive elephants face numerous challenges, including confinement to smaller herds and significantly restricted movement, as they typically walk vast distances each day in their natural habitats. As a result, they are prone to various health issues, including diseases and lameness.

Anne, the last circus elephant in the UK, was relocated to Longleat Safari Park in 2011 and now lives alone at the age of 70. In 2022, Paignton Zoo decided to cease keeping elephants, citing an inability to meet their complex needs.

Research indicates lower life expectancies and higher infant mortality rates among elephants in captivity. One study revealed that African female elephants typically live 17 years in zoos, compared to 56 years in the wild, excluding deaths caused by humans. Another study reported that about 30% of captive-born Asian elephants in North America and the EU do not survive their first year, while the first-year mortality rate for wild African elephants ranges from 10% to 15%.

Despite the prohibition of wild animals in circuses in most EU nations—Germany being an exception with regional restrictions—many circuses are struggling to part with large animals like elephants due to the lack of available sanctuary space. Furthermore, governments are unable to confiscate circus animals if no suitable facilities exist for their relocation.

In Portugal, a ban on wild animals in circuses will be fully enforced by 2025, with Julie being the last wild animal rehomed following a voluntary agreement between the Cardinali Circus and Pangea.

Vítor Hugo Cardinali, the director of the circus that has cared for Julie since acquiring her from a German zoo in 1988, remarked, “This decision has not been easy, as she has been a beloved member of our family for decades. However, we believe it is in Julie’s best interest. Collaborating closely with Pangea on her transition to a new home was crucial in our decision-making process.”

Moore added, “Circuses and zoos across Europe are reaching a point where retaining elephants is no longer feasible or appropriate, whether due to legislative changes, the loss of companions, or a desire to move forward. Partnering with owners to find suitable solutions is fundamental to our approach, as demonstrated with the Cardinali family. Relocating elephants is a complex process, and their ongoing involvement is essential.”

After a decade of development, the sanctuary is situated on a rehabilitated cattle ranch, where the elephants will contribute to ecological restoration. This region was once inhabited by straight-tusked elephants that roamed the Iberian Peninsula around 40,000 years ago.