Julie, described as Portugal’s last circus elephant, has gained about 100kg since moving to the Pangea sanctuary in the Alentejo region. The sanctuary’s manager, Ryan Hockley, said she now has round-the-clock access to shelters and outdoor habitats across the 400-hectare site.
Julie was transferred from the Victor Hugo Cardinali circus in June under a voluntary agreement, according to Euronews. Hockley said her weight gain was normal and contrasted her current freedom to move with her previous life, when she spent most of her time in a shed.
Elephant keeper Johnny Nascimento said Julie was shy when she arrived and gradually began exploring the grounds. She now chooses where to spend her time, including wallowing in mud pools.
A larger home for elephants in need
Julie was captured in Africa about 40 years ago, arrived in Portugal as a young elephant and joined the Cardinali circus in 1988. Portugal banned wild animals in circuses in 2018, with the law taking effect in 2024 to give circuses time to adapt and find placements for their animals.
Pangea says it aims to expand its capacity to house between 20 and 30 elephants. Hockley estimated that more than 600 elephants are held in captivity across Europe and said some do not live in ideal conditions. He described Pangea as Europe’s first large-scale elephant sanctuary.
The sanctuary was chosen in part for Alentejo’s warm climate, which Hockley compared with conditions in parts of Africa. It is not currently open to visitors while Julie and future residents adjust to the site.
A second African female elephant, Kariba, is expected to join the sanctuary from a circus in Belgium. Infections have delayed her transfer; she will travel once she has been treated and can make the journey safely.
Clayton Ward