The elephant Julie, who spent almost four decades in the Cardinali circus in Portugal, became the first resident of the Pangea Elephant Sanctuary, the first of its kind in Europe. Located in the Alentejo region, between Vila Viçosa and Alandroal, the center boasts more than 400 hectares of natural habitat and can accommodate up to 30 elephants.
Julie arrived from Africa as just a calf and lived in circus shows since 1988. After the ban on the use of wild animals in circuses in Portugal (approved in 2019 and effective from 2025), she finally found a space of well-being and recovery.
The agreement with the Cardinali circus
Julie’s arrival was made possible thanks to a voluntary agreement with Víctor Hugo Cardinali, the circus director. Cardinali acknowledged that it was not an easy decision, but it was the right one: “Julie has been part of our family for almost forty years, but being able to work alongside Pangea at every step gave us confidence. We wish her a happy life in her new home”.
The director will remain involved in the adaptation process, accompanying Julie in her transition to a life free of performances.
Well-being and recovery
At the sanctuary, Julie will receive medical attention to address health and mobility issues common in older elephants that have spent their lives in captivity. She will be able to explore the natural environment, socialize with other specimens, and recover behaviors typical of her species.
The organization Pangea Trust emphasized that many circuses and zoos in Europe can no longer maintain elephants and need suitable places for their relocation.
Upcoming residents
By the end of the year, the arrival of Kariba is expected, another African elephant currently living alone in a zoo in Belgium.
Captured in Zimbabwe in 1984, she survived a poaching episode that wiped out her family during the ivory hunt. Her transfer was delayed due to a health issue, but she will be the second resident of the sanctuary.
A unique space in Europe
The Pangea sanctuary is located less than an hour from Badajoz, on the border with Spain. It offers a safe and spacious environment for elephants to socialize and live without artificial restrictions.
For now, the space will remain closed to the public to ensure tranquility for Julie and future residents. It is expected that in the future, open days will be held for the local community and those who support the project.
Julie’s arrival at the Pangea sanctuary symbolizes a historic change in Europe: moving from decades of circus exploitation to a model of animal welfare and conservation.
This project not only offers a new life to the elephants but also sets a precedent in the transition towards more ethical and sustainable practices in the treatment of wild species.
