Welcoming Kariba to Her New Beginning

Today, we are sharing something truly special. With hearts full and immense gratitude to everyone that helped us reach this moment, we are incredibly excited to announce that a female African elephant named Kariba will be one of the first to call Pangea home. Currently living at a zoo in Belgium, Kariba will join us at Pangea in early 2026.

Kariba was captured from the wild in Zimbabwe as a young calf in 1984 and spent many years in zoos across Europe. She arrived at Olmense Zoo in Belgium in 2012 to join another African elephant, Jenny. In 2019, the zoo was placed under new management who committed to improving animal welfare and renamed it Pakawi Park. When Jenny sadly passed away in 2022, Kariba was left alone. Recognising that elephants are profoundly social animals who suffer in isolation, Pakawi Park began seeking a new home for her.  

Kariba is a 40 year-old African female currently living in Belgium. Photo credit: GAIA

Earlier this year, GAIA, a leading Belgian animal welfare organisation, introduced Pakawi Park to Pangea, and the three organisations have since been working together to make Kariba’s relocation possible. 

A joint statement was released today in which Tommy Pasteels, Director of Pakawi Park, said: 

“We have cared for Kariba for over 13 years, and she will be hugely missed, but we couldn’t see her alone anymore. We believe she can have the best possible quality of life at Pangea, with space to be an elephant again and with the companionship of others.” 

Kariba is expected to move to Pangea in early 2026. Photo credit: GAIA

Ann De Greef, Director of GAIA, added: “We congratulate Pakawi Park for their compassion and foresight. Pakawi Park have done their very best for Kariba, but ultimately elephants have complex physical and emotional needs.” 

And Kate Moore, Managing Director of Pangea, said: 

It has been a pleasure to work alongside our Belgian partners, with everyone united around Kariba’s wellbeing. We’re committed to a lifelong home that balances freedom to roam and socialise with the daily, specialist care she needs in her later years.”   

Kariba’s journey from Antwerp to Alentejo is planned for the first quarter of 2026, and we’ll continue sharing updates as preparations progress.