Kariba, an African elephant rescued from decades of captivity, is preparing for a life-changing journey. She is set to become the first resident of Pangea Sanctuary, a new elephant refuge located between Vila Viçosa and Alandroal, in southern Portugal. But before Kariba can travel, her transfer must be fully funded — and that mission requires raising over €120,000.
Born in the early 1980s in the savannas of Zimbabwe, Kariba was taken from her family by poachers while still a calf. She spent more than 20 years being moved between circuses across Europe. In 2012, she was relocated to Olmen Zoo(now Pakawi Park) in Belgium, where she lived alongside Jenny, another African elephant, until Jenny’s death in 2022.
Since then, Kariba has lived alone. Given that elephants are deeply social animals, her caretakers began looking for a more suitable long-term solution. That opportunity arrived with Pangea Trust, an international organisation that acquired around 400 hectares of land in the Alentejo region to create a unique sanctuary for elephants rescued from captivity in Europe.
The sanctuary aims to host up to 24 elephants, offering natural surroundings filled with holm oaks, cork trees and olive groves, along with specialised veterinary care. The site also promotes ecosystem restoration through the presence and movement of the elephants.
Kariba’s journey from Belgium to Portugal will cover around 2,000 kilometres and involves complex logistics. Preparation began nearly three months ago and includes medical evaluations, the construction of a custom-built transport crate, and coordination between teams in both countries. The move is scheduled for early 2026.
To cover the high costs of veterinary care, transport, and safety measures, the organisations behind the project have launched a fundraising campaign. Supporters can donate via the official Project Kariba website. According to Pakawi Park‘s director, although parting with Kariba will be emotional, the priority is her well-being.
“We’ve cared for Kariba for 13 years and we’ll miss her deeply, but we couldn’t bear to see her alone any longer. At Pangea, she’ll have the chance for a better life,” said Tommy Pasteels, director of Pakawi Park.
According to Pangea, Kariba is the last African elephant still kept in a zoo in Belgium. Her upcoming transfer marks not only the start of a new chapter for her, but also a significant milestone in Europe’s efforts to provide ethical alternatives for animals in captivity.
Credits: Adapted from an original article by Katia Catulo
