After years of confinement, Kariba, an African elephant in her early 40s, has completed an epic 2,000km journey from a Belgian zoo to her permanent retirement at the Pangea Elephant Sanctuary in Portugal. The move marks a bittersweet, long-awaited homecoming for the elephant, who was captured from the wild in Zimbabwe as a baby in 1984.
Kariba’s life has been defined by displacement, moving from the African savannah to a cold, unfamiliar environment in Germany, and later to Pakawi Park in Belgium in 2012. Following the death of her long-term companion, Jenny, in 2022, Kariba was left solitary, lacking the essential social bonds that are vital for elephant well-being. Recognizing her need for a more natural existence, her owners collaborated with wildlife advocates to facilitate her transfer to Pangea, Europe’s first large-scale elephant sanctuary.
The relocation was a complex, high-stakes operation. Months of intensive “crate training” were required to ensure Kariba could walk in and out of her transport container voluntarily. On Monday, the journey finally began, with her dedicated keeper, James, accompanying her throughout the trip.
The mission faced a tense finish as a severe weather system, Storm Charles, threatened to sweep across Portugal with 120km/h winds. The logistics team had to race against the clock to ensure the transport vehicle reached the sanctuary before the hazardous conditions took hold. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the team arrived safely.
Witnesses described a poignant moment when the crate door finally opened. After an initial moment of hesitation, Kariba stepped onto the soil of her new home. Despite being blind on her right side, she quickly regained her footing and began to explore her indoor enclosure. Within hours, she was found calmly sampling watermelon and hay, appearing to adjust to her new environment with remarkable composure.
The transition to Pangea was delayed earlier this year by Kariba’s health battles, including a foot abscess and an ear infection. However, these delays proved fortunate for her social future. While she recovered, Pangea successfully welcomed Julie, a former circus elephant. Once Kariba completes her mandatory 48-hour isolation period, she will be given the chance to meet Julie, offering her the long-craved opportunity for companionship.
The successful relocation was spearheaded by Born Free in partnership with the Fondation Brigitte Bardot, the Olsen Animal Trust, World Animal Protection, and the Belgian organization GAIA. While this chapter concludes with her safe arrival, advocates stress that her journey toward recovery is ongoing. The sanctuary is now calling on supporters to assist with the significant costs of her lifelong care, as Kariba settles into a future defined not by cages, but by choice and space.
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