GAIA and its partners the elephant Kariba a new life

 

After more than forty years in captivity, Kariba, a female African elephant captured in Zimbabwe, is about to discover a new life. In 2026, thanks to an unprecedented collaboration, she will join a sanctuary of more than 400 hectares located in the heart of Alentejo, Portugal — a place where she can finally live freely, surrounded by other elephants.

👉 Discover her incredible story by clicking below

Find out more about Karibas story  

From a life in Captivity to a new life adapted to her needs

Captured in the wild in 1984, Kariba was taken from her family when she was still just a young calf. Like so many others, she was first exploited in a circus before being moved from zoo to zoo across Europe. In 2012, she arrived in Belgium to join Jenny, another African elephant, at the Olmen Zoo — which has since become Pakawi Park.

When Jenny passed away in 2022, Kariba found herself alone — a problematic situation for such a deeply social species. Elephants live in groups, and prolonged isolation causes them great distress. Aware of her suffering, the caretakers at Pakawi Park began searching for a lasting solution for her.

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GAIA’s Intervention

That’s when GAIA stepped in. The organization put Pakawi Park in contact with Pangea — a unique sanctuary in Europe where elephants live in semi-freedom, with expert veterinary care and in an environment tailored to their natural and behavioral needs.

Since then, GAIA, Pakawi Park, and Pangea have been working hand in hand to make this transfer possible and to offer Kariba a new life.

"We took care of Kariba for over 13 years, and we will miss her tremendously, but we could no longer bear to see her living alone. We are convinced that at Pangea, she will be able to enjoy the best possible quality of life, with the space she needs to fully become an elephant again and the company of other companions."

Tommy Pasteels
Director of Pakawi Park

"We commend the compassion and foresight of Pakawi Park. Their commitment to Kariba is sincere, but it was time for her to return to a place where her physical, emotional, and social needs will finally be respected."

Ann De Greef
Director - GAIA

A peaceful retirement under the Portuguese sun

Kariba’s transfer, from the province of Antwerp to the Alentejo region, is planned for the beginning of 2026. In this sanctuary, she will discover a vast and natural habitat, a mild Mediterranean climate, and, most importantly, the company of other elephants.

"It was a pleasure to collaborate with our Belgian partners, all united around Kariba’s well-being. We are committed to offering her a lifelong home that combines freedom of movement and socialization with the specialized care she will need in her later years."

Kate Moore
Managing Director - Pangea

A powerful symbol for animal welfare

Kariba’s departure will mark the culmination of a long struggle for animal welfare. Thanks to the mobilization and international cooperation initiated by GAIA, this elephant will finally be able to live with dignity.

For GAIA, this transfer represents a major turning point in the way Belgium — and more broadly Europe — view captive elephants. It shows that a better future is possible when institutions, sanctuaries, and animal advocates join forces.

"Kariba embodies the hope for lasting change — the hope of seeing elephants live not in enclosures, but in sanctuaries where they can finally be themselves."

Ann De Greef
Director - GAIA

A future to build for captive elephants

Today, around a hundred elephants still live in captivity in Europe, deprived of freedom and the company of their own kind. GAIA will continue its fight to ensure that Kariba’s story paves the way for lasting change — towards a future where no elephant will ever again be condemned to a life behind bars.

Help Kariba seek her freedom

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After nearly forty years in captivity, Kariba finally has the chance to live a true life — in nature, among her own kind, and under expert care. But to make her 2,000-kilometer journey to her sanctuary in Portugal possible, we need your help.

 

Every contribution, big or small, brings Kariba closer to her new home and helps us fund her life there — food, veterinary care, and daily well-being in her new environment.
Together, let’s make her story a symbol of hope, compassion, and freedom.

 

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