The first elephant sanctuary in Europe will be installed in Alentejo, between Vila Viçosa and Alandroal. It should open early next year to receive up to 30 elephants that have been exploited in circuses or zoos.
The investment of 15 million euros can receive up to 30 elephants coming from circuses or zoos across Europe, and the first animals should arrive in first quarter of next year.
O 400 hectare land it is being fenced with firm and high fences and equipped with support infrastructure.
Developed by the non-profit organization Pangea, registered in the United Kingdom and Portugal, the municipal councils of Alandroal and Vila Viçosa, both in the district of Évora, are partners in the initiative, supported by the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Medicine (DGAV) and the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF).
NIn the first phase, the sanctuary will be prepared for 24 to 30 elephants, which will have freedom and regular health checks.
O park will not be visitablebut will be involved with schools and the local community, which will allow some contact with the elephants.
In a statement, Pangea explained that the project consists of creating a natural space for “elephants in vulnerable situations”, so that the animals can “move freely, feed and socialize, just as they would do in their wild habitat”.
“We are not here to rescue elephants, but to work with people who already have elephants and who are looking for an alternative for these animals”, explained Kate Moore, giving as an example the case of “elephants that are in countries where circuses have been banned from using wild animals”.