About us
Pangea exists because Europe needs
a large-scale elephant sanctuary.
Over 600 elephants are living in captivity across Europe.
Most EU states have banned the use of elephants in circuses, and zoos considering a transition away from elephant-keeping face a lack of rehoming options. Governments remain powerless to enforce welfare laws if they have nowhere to send elephant confiscations.
We offer a compassionate solution to Europe’s zoos, circuses, and governments seeking a lifelong home for elephants in need.
Our 1,000-acre sanctuary in Portugal is modelled on large-scale facilities in Asia, Africa, and the Americas, and our management approach is endorsed by leading captive elephant experts and wild elephant biologists. Thanks to our habitat restoration programme, native wildlife can thrive, and elephants can roam, forage, and socialise freely in an expansive, natural habitat whilst also receiving expert, individualised care.
Pangea is an independent charity registered in the UK and Portugal with a partner charity in the USA that can accept donations on our behalf. Learn more about our work here.
We’ve welcomed our first elephant.
After an extensive feasibility study and Europe-wide property search, we acquired a site in Alentejo, Portugal. With habitat restoration and construction on our first phase of development complete, we are now working to raise the funds needed to expand the sanctuary and rehome more elephants. Please join us on our journey, and find out how you can help here.
Provide a safe haven for elephants in need.
Help us create Europe's first large-scale sanctuary, where elephants can roam freely in an expansive, natural habitat, surrounded by their own kind.