Julie, the last circus elephant in Portugal, is finally enjoying some controlled freedom as the first resident of Pangea sanctuary in Alentejo (between Vila Viçosa and Alandroal, Évora). She was captured in Africa around 40 years ago, arrived in Portugal when she was young and joined the Victor Hugo Cardinali circus in 1988. Since moving in she’s been adapting quickly — roaming, choosing her days, and even enjoying her first mud bath, which honestly feels like the best news.
Portugal banned wild animals in circuses in 2018 and the law took effect in 2024, but finding lifelong homes has been tricky, so Julie stayed with her owner until a suitable place was ready. Pangea received her under a voluntary agreement with the circus, and director-general Kate Moore says the handover was positive and focused on Julie’s welfare. They’re hopeful because she’s been energetic, but nobody can say exactly how long she’ll live — elephants born in captivity tend to have shorter lives than wild ones.
Pangea covers 400 hectares, has capacity for 30 elephants and bills itself as Europe’s first large-scale elephant sanctuary, modeled on big sanctuaries elsewhere where animals can roam, forage and get specialist care. They hope to take another elephant, Kariba, later this year once a foot abscess is healed. The project was funded by donors and organisations, including Ricky Gervais, and the sanctuary will stay closed to visitors for now so Julie and future residents can settle in peacefully.