Sable International & Pangea Trust: Rehoming elephants and making sanctuary a reality

Sable International has proudly partnered with The Pangea Trust, a charity dedicated to creating Europe’s first large scale elephant sanctuary in Alentejo, Portugal. This partnership reflects Sable International’s long standing values of care and meaningful global impact – supporting a project that provides a safe, natural home for elephants that have lived decades in captivity.

A sanctuary with a purpose

The Pangea Trust is building an expansive sanctuary where formerly captive elephants can roam freely in a safe and natural environment, receive expert care, and reconnect with others of their kind. The vision is to transform a large estate in Portugal into a space where these majestic animals enjoy the freedom and companionship they were denied for so long.

This initiative responds to a pressing welfare issue: Europe has hundreds of elephants living in zoos or former circus environments. As EU regulations evolve, many countries are banning the use of elephants in circuses, and various zoos are phasing out elephant exhibits in response to more stringent enclosure standards. Until now, there has not been a viable option to relocate these elephants in need within Europe. Pangea sanctuary aims to offer a compassionate alternative, prioritising animal welfare and dignity.

Kariba: A symbol of hope

One of the most powerful stories emerging from the sanctuary project is that of Kariba, a female African elephant whose journey underscores the importance of this work. Kariba was captured from the wild in Zimbabwe in the 1980s and spent about 40 years in European zoos. After losing her companion in 2022 and facing years of isolation, Pangea teamed up with Belgian welfare group GAIA and Pakawi Park to bring her to Portugal, where she will be one of the first residents at the Pangea sanctuary in early 2026.

At the sanctuary, Kariba will finally enjoy a life that reflects her nature walking under open skies, exploring diverse terrain, and living with other elephants. This reflects the core mission of Pangea: to offer elephants a forever home that honours their physical and emotional complexity.

How Sable International is making a difference

Sable International has joined Pangea Trust as a Founders Circle Member, contributing both financially and through awareness raising efforts. They have actively supported fundraising campaigns, including initiatives where donations are matched, doubling the impact of every contribution made during designated giving periods.

This partnership exemplifies how organisations from diverse sectors – even those in global mobility and finance – can support wildlife conservation and drive real, positive change in animal welfare

How you can help

The growth of the Pangea sanctuary depends on the generosity of supporters around the world. There are several ways you can contribute:

1. Donate online

You can make a secure online donation directly through the Pangea Trust website. Every donation – whether large or small – helps fund crucial elements of the sanctuary, from building elephant barns and enclosures to purchasing essential equipment and restoring habitat.

2. Support by mail or bank transfer

If you prefer, you can donate via cheque or bank transfer. Full details, including mailing information and bank contact details, are available on the Pangea Trust donation page.

3. Spread the word

Even sharing posts about the sanctuary helps raise awareness and encourages more people to contribute.

Join the journey

Projects like the Pangea elephant sanctuary – and partnerships like that with Sable International – remind us that compassion and collaboration can change lives. By supporting Kariba and other elephants who deserve better lives, you are contributing to a transformative movement in animal welfare.

Whether you donate, share the story, or join a community of supporters, your involvement brings the vision of a thriving sanctuary closer to reality. Visit Pangea Trust’s donation page to make a difference today.