Goodbye to the circus: Julie begins her new life at Pangea

Julie, Portugal's last circus elephant, has arrived this week at The Pangea Trust's elephant sanctuary in Portugal, where she is beginning a new chapter surrounded by 400 hectares of elephant-friendly natural habitat. She is the very first elephant to call the newly established sanctuary home. 

Julie's relocation was made possible through a voluntary agreement with the Víctor Hugo Cardinali Circus and marks an important milestone in the implementation of Portugal's ban on wild animals in circuses. Although the legislation came into force in 2024, Julie remained at the circus until a suitable long-term home was ready to welcome her.

Arial view of The Pangea Trust's elephant sanctuary in Portugal (Image courtesy of Pangea Elephant Sanctuary)

"There could not be a more fitting first resident for Pangea than Portugal's last circus elephant. Many zoos and circuses across Europe have reached a point where keeping elephants is no longer the right long-term option, and they need a place where elephants can be cared for throughout their lives. Our focus now is to give Julie the very best future possible," says Kate Moore, Managing Director of The Pangea Trust.

Julie is embracing her new home

Within minutes of stepping out of her transport crate and into the barn, she was busy exploring and throwing sand across her back. 

She has also begun venturing into the large natural habitat outside the barn, already roaming across the landscape, enjoying mud wallows and dust baths, grazing and exploring at her own pace. 

Julie's first day in her new habitat (Image courtesy of Pangea Elephant Sanctuary / Wade Million) 

After nearly 40 years with the circus, Julie can now enjoy a peaceful retirement with the space and environment to express more of her natural behaviors.

Expert care for the years ahead

At Pangea, a specialist elephant care team will ensure Julie receives the dedicated care she needs, including support for the age-related health and mobility challenges that are common in older elephants. But more than medical care, Julie now has something precious: the ability to live her life on her own terms. 

Julie's arrival is only the beginning. The Pangea Trust was created to provide lifelong homes for elephants in need of rehoming from zoos and circuses across Europe. By providing expansive natural habitats, expert care and opportunities for companionship, The Pangea Trust is helping shape a better future for elephants through collaboration with elephant owners, governments and conservation partners.

Soon, Julie will be joined by a friend

Julie is expected to have company soon. Kariba, another female African elephant in her 40's, currently lives alone at a zoo in Belgium. Like Julie, she was born in the wild in Africa before being brought to Europe as a young calf. 

Kariba (Image courtesy of GAIA) 

Kariba was originally scheduled to arrive at Pangea earlier this year. However, shortly before her planned relocation, veterinarians discovered an abscess on her foot that required treatment before she could travel safely. Once she has fully recovered and temperatures are suitable for the long journey to Portugal, she will join Julie at the sanctuary.

Soon, two elephants who have spent years living alone will have the opportunity to build companionship in a habitat designed around their needs. The Pangea Trust is also working with other elephant owners across Europe to provide lifelong homes for more elephants in need of rehoming. The sanctuary has been designed with room to welcome many more elephants in the years ahead. 

A new future for more elephants

Julie's story is inspiring, and her arrival marks an important milestone, but it is only the start. Across Europe, many more elephants could benefit from lifelong homes. 

This World Elephant Day, we celebrate Julie's new chapter and everyone who helped make it possible. Together, we can help more elephants thrive with the care, space and companionship they need. 

Julie (Image courtesy of Pangea Elephant Sanctuary / Wade Million) 

World Animal Protection proudly supports The Pangea Trust together with Born Free Foundation, Fondation Brigitte Bardot and Olsen Animal Trust.