Portugal’s Last Circus Elephant Finds Sanctuary

On July 17, 2026, a historic moment unfolded as Julie, Portugal’s last circus elephant, took her first steps into Pangea Elephant Sanctuary—Europe’s first large-scale sanctuary of its kind. Julie, a 40-year-old African elephant, had spent over 36 years performing with the Circo Víctor Hugo Cardinali after arriving in Portugal as a young calf from southern Africa. Her journey to freedom marks the end of an era for wild animals in Portuguese circuses, following the country’s 2024 ban on their use in performances.

Pangea Elephant Sanctuary, nestled on a 1,000-acre estate in the Alentejo region, was created to provide elephants like Julie with the space, autonomy, and companionship they need to thrive. After decades of performing, Julie’s retirement symbolizes a shift toward compassionate care for animals once exploited for entertainment. The sanctuary, operated by Associação Natureza Pangea (Portugal) and supported by The Pangea Trust (UK), offers a natural habitat where elephants can roam freely, forage, and socialize with their own kind.

Julie’s arrival is just the beginning. Pangea aims to welcome more elephants from zoos and circuses across Europe, addressing a critical gap in rehoming options for these majestic creatures. As Lisa Bandari, British Ambassador to Portugal, noted, the sanctuary represents a “British-led initiative” that sets a new standard for elephant welfare in Europe.

For Julie, this transition is a chance to rediscover what it means to be an elephant—free from the constraints of circus life. Her story is a testament to the power of collective action and the growing global commitment to animal welfare.

To learn more about Julie’s journey or support Pangea’s mission, visit Pangea Trust.