About us
Pangea exists because Europe needs
a large-scale elephant sanctuary.
Over 600 elephants are still held in Europe’s zoos and circuses. Most EU states have banned the use of elephants in circuses and zoos are growing more concerned about the welfare of their resident elephants. Those considering a transition away from elephant-keeping face a lack of rehoming options and 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 as they please 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’re preparing to welcome elephants to Pangea in 2025.
We’re making good progress. After an extensive feasibility study and Europe-wide property search, we secured our site in Portugal with a philanthropic loan underwritten by our Members which has since been fully repaid. With government support secured and planning, design, licensing applications, and habitat restoration well underway, we are now working to raise the final funds needed to build our first barn and enclosure. Together, we can make this the year we welcome the first elephants to Pangea.
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.