Portugal Mayors Unite To Back Europe’s First Elephant Sanctuary

Excitement is building successful Portugal’s Alentejo region arsenic preparations proceed for Europe’s first-ever elephant sanctuary, owed to unfastened successful early 2026.

The project, led by nan Pangea Trust, held its first media briefing connected November 6, co-hosted by nan Mayors of Alandroal and Vila Viçosa, alongside Pangea ambassador Joana Vasconcelos.

Over 100 journalists and partners attended nan event, which elaborate nan sanctuary’s progress, partnerships, and biology vision.

Pioneering elephant sanctuary to unfastened successful Alentejo successful 2026

According to Pangea Trust, nan 402-hectare sanctuary will supply a location for 20 to 30 captive elephants from zoos and circuses crossed Europe. The task is supported by Portugal’s General Directorate for Food and Veterinary Affairs and nan Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests.

Construction of nan first barn and enclosures began successful September this year, and nan first elephants are expected to get betwixt January and March 2026, arsenic confirmed by director-general Kate Moore successful comments to Lusa.

“We’ve been managing nan residence and improving its value to guarantee a divers situation wherever elephants tin roam and socialise freely,” Moore said.

The mayors praised Pangea’s committedness to section collaboration.

“We person been impressed by Pangea’s professionalism and their committedness to maximising affirmative section impact,” said João Grilo, Mayor of Alandroal.

“This is simply a task nan Alentejo tin beryllium proud of – a first for Europe that benefits not only elephant use but our communities too,” added Inácio Esperança, Mayor of Vila Viçosa.

A exemplary for ethical wildlife attraction successful Europe

More than 600 elephants unrecorded successful captivity crossed Europe, galore successful outdated aliases unsuitable conditions. Pangea’s exemplary intends to supply a sustainable replacement offering elephants abstraction to roam, forage, and unrecorded semi-naturally nether master care.

The task besides includes:

• Training programmes to upskill residents.
• Partnerships pinch Portuguese businesses and suppliers.
• Community unfastened days, allowing constricted visits from locals.

For expats and locals successful Portugal, nan sanctuary represents a milestone successful nan country’s attack to wildlife use and sustainable tourism. It will create section jobs and boost eco-tourism.

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