It will be Europe’s first major sanctuary for captive elephants. “Portugal was selected for its ideal habitat and climate conditions.” Animals are rehabilitated from zoos and circuses. There will be open days to visit.
The first large sanctuary in Europe for elephants that have lived in captivity is being created in the municipalities of Vila Viçosa e Alandroalwith the arrival of the first animals scheduled for the beginning of 2026, promoters announced this Thursday.
Developed by the non-profit organization Pangearegistered in the United Kingdom and Portugal, the project is being presented this Thursday afternoon in Vila Viçosa.
Speaking to the Lusa agency, Kate Moore, general director of Pangea, explained that the institution purchased, in 2023, the land from 402 hectares to set up the refuge and has been preparing it for the first elephants.
“We have been working on managing the habitat, improving its quality and ensuring that it is as diverse as possible,” he said.
The construction phase began “about two months ago”, with the construction of “the first barn and the first enclosure”, and these works “could be completed in December”, revealed the general director, adding that she estimates “receiving the first elephants in early 2026, between January and March”.
This project, considered “pioneer” by Pangea, wants to offer “lifelong care to rehabilitated elephants from zoos and circuses across the European continent” and hopes to welcome “between 20 and 30” animals, second Kate Moore.
“We’re going to do a lot of research into how much space elephants need and what’s working, so we’re constantly evaluating that number,” he said.
In a statement, Pangea explained that the project consists of creating a natural space for “elephants in vulnerable situations”, so that animals can “move freely, feed and socializejust as they would in their wild habitat.”
“We are not here to rescue elephants, but to work with people who already have elephants and who are looking for an alternative for these animals”, explained Kate Moore, giving as an example the case of “elephants that are in countries where wild animals are used”.
These will be “priority elephants for the sanctuary”, as well as animals coming “from zoos that no longer want to have elephants, but do not have a place to send them to”.
“We want to help these circuses, zoos and governments to give a home to these elephants that no longer have a place to live, providing them with a natural habitat where they can roam, freely, but at the same time with veterinary and zootechnical care”, he highlighted.
After carrying out a European-wide feasibility study, “Portugal was selected for its ideal habitat and climate conditions”indicated the prosecutors.
To Lusa, Kate Moore added that the chosen property in Alentejo was considered “the best due to its topography, very gentle hills that are good for elephants to walk on, a very diverse habitat and a private area with lots of water”.
According to the general director of the non-profit institution, who did not want to specify the investment, but admitted that it was “significant” and resulting “from donations made by organizations and the public”, Pangea wants to prioritize the connection with the local community.
“We are already working with some local companies and we want to create more partnerships and ensure that we are also employing local people”, he highlighted, noting that the project includes specialists in elephant welfare and breeding, but “a training program to develop local skills” will also be provided.
This first major elephant sanctuary in Europe will not be open to the public regularlybut Kate Moore admitted that ‘open days’ will be held annually, “selecting people from the local community and others who donate to the project, through a raffle or lottery, so that they can visit the space”.
The municipal councils of Alandroal and Vila Viçosa, both in the district of Évora, are partners in the initiative, supported by the General Directorate of Food and Veterinary (DGAV) and the Institute for Nature and Forest Conservation (ICNF).
