Last Circus Elephant in Portugal Can Now Romp-and-Roll on 1000-Acre Sanctuary After 40 Years of Working

Julie, Portugal's last circus elephant, has finally retired after performing for 40 years. Captured as a calf in Africa during the late 1980s, she was brought to Portugal and spent most of her life entertaining audiences in circuses. After Portugal banned the use of wild animals in circus performances, Julie stopped performing but had no suitable place to live.

On June 30, Julie was moved to the Pangea Elephant Sanctuary in Alentejo, Portugal, the country's first sanctuary for former circus and working elephants. After 18 months of careful planning, she safely traveled three hours by truck to her new home, where she quickly adjusted to her spacious and peaceful environment.

The sanctuary aims to give Julie the best possible quality of life and eventually provide a home for 20 to 35 elephants. As an independent charity, Pangea receives support from people around the world, including schoolchildren who have symbolically adopted Julie. Later this year, another rescued elephant named Kariba is expected to join Julie, giving her a companion in her new home.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/last-circus-elephant-in-portugal-welcomed-to-pangea-sanctuary/

Comprehension

Why did Julie stop performing in the circus?
What is the Pangea Elephant Sanctuary?
How long did it take to prepare Julie's move to the sanctuary?
How are people helping support Julie's care?
Who is expected to join Julie at the sanctuary later this year?

Discussion

Do you think wild animals should be allowed to perform in circuses? Why or why not?
How do you think Julie's life will change at the sanctuary?
Why are animal sanctuaries important?
Should governments ban the use of wild animals for entertainment? Explain your opinion.
What are some ways people can help protect endangered or rescued animals?
How do you think elephants feel after spending many years in captivity?
Would you like to visit an animal sanctuary? Why or why not?
What other animals do you think should have sanctuaries instead of being used for entertainment?

Vocabulary

retirement – the time when someone stops working permanently
sanctuary – a safe place where animals are protected and cared for
circus – a show with performers and sometimes trained animals
captured – caught and taken by force
relocation – the process of moving to a new place
spacious – having a lot of space
charity – an organization that helps people or animals without making a profit
symbolically – in a way that represents support or an idea rather than actual ownership