Over 600 elephants are held captive in zoos and circuses across Europe, of which 36 are living in solitary confinement. Many have lived in the same small, barren enclosures for decades and all in the name of entertainment or so-called conservation. Elephants are complex, highly intelligent and social animals who suffer physically and psychologically in captivity.  As public, scientific and political sentiment shifts, and the need to demonstrate respect for the natural world becomes increasingly urgent, the time has come for a large-scale solution.

A large number of elephants rescued from captivity continue to be re-homed to large-scale facilities in the USA, South America, Asia and Africa. However, until now, there has been no comparable option for elephants here in Europe. Most EU Member States have adopted national legislation to restrict the use of wild animals in circuses, and governments are willing but unable to enforce legislation because they have had nowhere to send confiscations. Even zoos with the best of intentions and the most generous of budgets cannot meet the needs of elephants in the space they can offer, and an increasing number are choosing to phase out their elephant collections as a result.

For elephants that have been held in these unnatural conditions for decades, release into the wild is not viable, but Pangea is going to provide them with the next best thing - a meaningful life in an expansive natural habitat.

Pangea’s first large scale 402ha (1000acrea) reserve will provide up to 50 elephants with a naturalistic space where they can thrive and roam freely with companions. A Europe-wide study was conducted to identify the most suitable region for the sanctuary and Portugal was chosen based on its Mediterranean climate* and associated habitat and its political stability. The estate is located in Altentejo, in the Southern interior region of Portugal. It has diverse, gentle topography, good surface and ground water and a varied habitat. The majority of the estate is deemed suitable for elephants, and expansion into neighbouring farms is already under discussion should the time come when we reach full capacity.

Pangea is an independent non-profit organisation registered in Portugal and the UK working with European governments, zoos, circuses, and NGO’s to rehome any elephant in need. OAT is very proud to be a founding partner of this magnificent and much needed project alongside The Born Free Foundation, Foundation Bridget Bardot and a number of private philanthropic donors.

Pangea’s overall mission is to give previously captive elephants, that cannot be returned to the wild, a fulfilling life in conditions as close to the wild as possible. And, in doing so, catalyse change that creates a paradigm-shift and ultimately contributes to ending elephant keeping in Europe.