7/11/26 - Portugal’s Last Circus Elephant Is In Sanctuary

After nearly four decades in a circus, Julie — Portugal’s last circus elephant — has been retired to Pangea Elephant Sanctuary in the country’s Alentejo region.

Julie was taken from southern Africa as a young elephant and has lived with the Victor Hugo Cardinali Circus since 1988. Portugal’s ban on wild animals in circuses came fully into effect in 2025, and Julie is the last wild animal still awaiting relocation under the new law.

A new life at Europe’s first large-scale elephant sanctuary

Pangea Elephant Sanctuary was created to provide a more natural, spacious home for elephants retired from circuses and zoos across Europe. The sanctuary is located on a former cattle ranch and will initially provide 70 acres of habitat, with plans to expand significantly over time.

Pangea Elephant Sanctuary

At Pangea, Julie has the opportunity to roam, bathe, forage, and socialize on her own terms while receiving expert care. She will ultimately have the company of Kariba, an African elephant who has been living alone at a zoo in Belgium.

A milestone for elephants in entertainment

Julie’s retirement marks an important milestone: Portugal will no longer have wild animals living in circuses. It is also a powerful reminder that progress is possible when strong laws are paired with real sanctuary options for the animals affected.

Across Europe, dozens of elephants remain in circuses or live alone in zoos. Sanctuaries like Pangea offer a compassionate alternative for elephants who have spent decades in confinement and entertainment.

CompassionWorks International celebrates this tremendous victory for Julie and for everyone who helped make her retirement possible. We hope her story inspires other countries, circuses, and zoos to make the same compassionate choice.

The years Julie lost to captivity can never be returned. But at long last, her future will belong to her.