Give Kariba the life she deserves
A new life is waiting for Kariba at Pangea – Europe’s first and only dedicated elephant sanctuary. She will have freedom and space to roam and forage, as well as expert, loving care, and the companionship of ex-circus elephant Julie. Can you help make this dream a reality?
Europe’s first large-scale elephant sanctuary is here
The culmination of Born Free’s vision, over a decade ago: Pangea offers a unique 1,000-acre forever home for rescued elephants in Portugal.
This is a momentous occasion for captive elephants. Here, with your help, Kariba, Julie and other elephants rescued in the future from circuses and zoos could one day enjoy companionship and roam freely in an expansive, natural habit. This brand new and vital sanctuary, of which Born Free is a founding member, is endorsed by eminent specialists, and will offer expert care for elephants who can forage and socialise in an expansive, natural environment.
Kariba’s Story
Now in her early 40s, Kariba has spent most of her life in captivity.
She was just a baby when captured from the wild in Zimbabwe, in 1984. Cruelly ripped from her loving family, she was transported thousands of miles to a zoo in Germany – to a cold, unfamiliar new life.
In 2012, Kariba was moved to a zoo in Belgium, to join Jenny, another African elephant. But, tragically, Jenny died in 2022 and Kariba was left without her best friend – bereft of the company elephants so desperately need.
Thankfully, Kariba’s owners want to help give her the incredible opportunity of an enriched new life at Pangea – but it can only happen with your help.
Your gift today could help give Kariba a forever home. Your generosity could help lavish her with the best possible care, and give her the peace, dignity, space she deserves, and hopefully one day soon, the friendship of other elephants.
Julie’s Story
(c) Circo Victor Hugo Cardinali
Julie arrived in Europe from southern Africa as a young calf and spent decades with the Cardinali circus.
She was retired following Portugal’s ban on wild animals in circuses and, after losing her companion, has also been facing life alone. Now, through collaboration, trust and a shared commitment to her welfare, her future is set to change, alongside Kariba’s.
At Pangea, Julie and Kariba will have the opportunity to live together in a space designed around their needs, set within rich meadows and open grasslands, and supported by expert, specialist care. Most importantly, they will have the chance to experience companionship, something that is fundamental to elephants, who are profoundly social, sentient beings.
Image credits: CrolleAgency_Gaia, Pangea, M Plavac, Circo Victor Hugo Cardinali