This elephant is the first resident of the Pangea elephant sanctuary, located between Vila Viçosa and Alandroal, in the district of Évora.
This female was also the last circus elephant in Portugal.
After the ban on wild animals in circuses in Portugal came into force, she remained in the care of her owner, the Victor Hugo Cardinali circus.
She arrived in Portugal when she was still very young and joined the Cardinali circus in 1988.
For now, it is impossible to know how much longer she will be able to enjoy the freedom she has just been given.
“Julie is not only Pangea’s first elephant, she is also the last circus elephant in Portugal; in fact, the last wild animal in any circus.
Pangea, a UK-based foundation, opened the sanctuary with funds from various organisations and donors, including British comedian Ricky Gervais. »