Portugal’s last circus elephant ‘Julie’ moves to an elephant sanctuary in southern Portugal

Julie, described as Portugal’s last circus elephant, moves to a “forever home” at an elephant sanctuary in southern Portugal. Reports say the sanctuary is operated by a British-run organization. After spending about 40 years living and working in a circus, Julie takes her first steps into the sanctuary, marking the end of her time as a performing animal. The coverage frames the relocation as a transition from circus life to long-term sanctuary care, with the emphasis on freedom and ongoing welfare in a controlled environment. The articles do not provide additional details about the logistics of the move, veterinary assessments, or the sanctuary’s capacity beyond identifying the setting and ownership as British-run and located in southern Portugal. Overall, the story centers on Julie’s transfer and the sanctuary placement described as permanent.