The Pangea elephant sanctuary in Portugal has welcomed its first resident, Julie, a former circus elephant. This marks a significant step in animal welfare, as Julie is the last circus elephant in the country following a ban on wild animals in circuses that took effect in 2024. Her arrival highlights the urgent need for sanctuaries to provide safe havens for animals displaced by such legislation.
Julie, who was captured in Africa around 40 years ago, is now adapting to her new environment, enjoying the freedom to roam and even taking her first mud bath. The sanctuary, which spans 400 hectares, aims to be a long-term refuge for elephants, offering a natural habitat where they can thrive away from captivity.
The sanctuary’s establishment underscores the importance of connecting legislation with practical solutions for animal welfare. It serves as a model for how Europe can address the needs of captive elephants, ensuring they have a place to live after being retired from circuses or zoos.
As Pangea prepares to welcome more elephants, including Kariba from a Belgian zoo, it emphasizes the need for collaboration among governments, animal welfare organizations, and sanctuaries to create a sustainable future for these animals. Julie’s story is just the beginning of a broader movement towards compassionate care for elephants in Europe.
Source: Euronews
