A major new sanctuary for captive elephants is taking shape in Portugal’s Alentejo region - and it’s being designed with a clear priority: the animals come first. Spanning 402 hectares between Vila Viçosa and Alandroal, the project will become Europe’s first dedicated refuge for elephants that have spent their lives in zoos and circuses. Rather than building around visitor access, the focus is on creating a calm, natural environment where elephants can move freely and live with minimal disturbance.

Led by the non-profit Pangea and supported by local councils and national environmental authorities, the sanctuary has been in development since the land was purchased in 2023. Efforts so far have focused on preparing and improving the habitat to make it as diverse and suitable as possible. Construction of the first barn and enclosure is already underway and is expected to be completed by December, with the first elephants set to arrive between January and March 2026.

The project is designed for elephants that no longer have a suitable place to live. Instead of functioning as a rescue centre, the sanctuary works with zoos, circuses, and governments that are seeking alternatives for elephants affected by bans on wild animals or changing priorities. These are animals that often have nowhere appropriate to go, and the sanctuary aims to provide a long-term solution where their needs take precedence over display or access.

At full capacity, the sanctuary could house between 20 and 30 elephants, though the final number will depend on ongoing welfare studies. The team plans to continuously evaluate how much space the elephants need and adjust accordingly. The goal is to allow them to move, feed, and socialise as they would in a natural habitat, while still receiving veterinary and technical care. The number of animals will always be guided by what the environment can support.