'Autonomy is really critical': 2 captive elephants going to first sanctuary in Europe

'Autonomy is really critical': 2 captive elephants going to first sanctuary in Europe

A major animal welfare milestone is about to become reality in Portugal. Europe's first large-scale elephant sanctuary is preparing to welcome its first two residents, finally giving them something they have been missing for decades — space, choice, and companionship. According to The Guardian, Julie — Portugal's final circus elephant — is scheduled to move next month to Pangea's new sanctuary in the Alentejo region, about 124 miles east of Lisb…

After Decades in Captivity, Portugal’s Last Circus Elephant Finally Heads to Sanctuary

Portugal’s last circus elephant, a 40-year-old captive named Julie, is set to be relocated to an elephant sanctuary under a voluntary agreement that effectively ends the use of wild animals in the country’s circuses, according to The Guardian. Julie had been part of the Victor Hugo Cardinali circus since 1988 and stopped performing in 2024 […] The post After Decades in Captivity, Portugal’s Last Circus Elephant Finally Heads to Sanctuary appeare…