Help Kariba regain her freedom
In a historic collaboration, GAIA, Pakawi Park Zoo and Pangea Rehabilitation Center, have decided to offer Kariba, the elephant, a new life – in freedom.
From Zimbabwe to Belgium – Kariba’s journey
Kariba’s story begins far from here. As a baby elephant, she was taken from the wild in Zimbabwe in 1985. Since then, she has spent nearly forty years in various European zoos.
For the past ten years, she has lived at Pakawi Park alongside her loyal companion Jenny. But when Jenny died in 2022, Kariba found herself alone — a tragic situation for such a social animal.
In July, when Pangea contacted GAIA to assess Kariba’s welfare, the organization did not hesitate for a second.
Together with Pangea, GAIA initiated a constructive and positive dialogue with Pakawi Park, which led to an almost revolutionary decision: the new management agreed to release Kariba.
This decision shows courage and compassion, sending a strong signal – in Belgium and throughout Europe – that animal welfare can truly come first.
The Project
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Acre sanctuary
A new life
in Portugal
Thanks to this collective effort, Kariba will soon have the chance to join Pangea, Europe’s first large-scale elephant sanctuary, located in Portugal, where she will spend her final years in the space, tranquility, and care she has always deserved.
She will be able to roam vast acres of nature, under the supervision of specialized caregivers and—who knows—find friendship with other elephants.
The Pangea sanctuary is an initiative of Born Free, World Animal Protection, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, and the Olsen Animal Trust, who are joining forces to write a new chapter in elephant protection.
She will be able to roam vast acres of nature, under the supervision of specialized caregivers and—who knows—find friendship with other elephants.
The Pangea sanctuary is an initiative of Born Free, World Animal Protection, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, and the Olsen Animal Trust, who are joining forces to write a new chapter in elephant protection.
GAIA’s role: from welfare to awareness
For GAIA, this project perfectly illustrates what cooperation can achieve. In partnership with Pangea, GAIA is not only helping to assess Kariba’s welfare and secure his release, but is also involved in fundraising for his relocation and lifelong care.
Transporting an elephant 2 000 kilometers is no small feat. It requires months of preparation: medical examinations, a specially designed transport crate, logistical coordination, and ongoing veterinary care. These operations involve significant costs—costs that GAIA wishes to help cover without compromising its other ongoing campaigns. GAIA is therefore issuing a warm appeal to its members and supporters: help make Kariba’s trip possible.
Transporting an elephant 2 000 kilometers is no small feat. It requires months of preparation: medical examinations, a specially designed transport crate, logistical coordination, and ongoing veterinary care. These operations involve significant costs—costs that GAIA wishes to help cover without compromising its other ongoing campaigns. GAIA is therefore issuing a warm appeal to its members and supporters: help make Kariba’s trip possible.
Together, let’s make her story one of hope, compassion and freedom
Follow Kariba on
her journey to freedom
On the map below you can see where Kariba is on her way to Pangea, the elephant sanctuary in Portugal.
A story of
hope and change
Kariba’s planned move in early 2026 marks a turning point. It proves that dialog and cooperation can bring about real change – and that Belgium, thanks to GAIA, is playing a pioneering role in European animal welfare policy.
When she finally takes her first steps under the Portuguese sun, her story will symbolize not only her personal liberation, but also a new vision for the future of animals in captivity. Together, we can make Kariba’s story a source of hope – for her, for all elephants in captivity, and for a world where every animal matters.
Would you like to follow Kariba’s path to freedom? Then join Kariba’s club to receive exclusive news, photos and videos from her journey.
When she finally takes her first steps under the Portuguese sun, her story will symbolize not only her personal liberation, but also a new vision for the future of animals in captivity. Together, we can make Kariba’s story a source of hope – for her, for all elephants in captivity, and for a world where every animal matters.
Would you like to follow Kariba’s path to freedom? Then join Kariba’s club to receive exclusive news, photos and videos from her journey.
Photo gallery
Help Kariba regain her freedom
After nearly forty years in captivity, Kariba finally has the chance to live a real life—in the wild, with her fellow elephants, and under expert care. But to make her 3 000-kilometer journey to the Pangea sanctuary in Portugal possible, we need your help.
Every contribution, large or small, brings Kariba closer to his new home and also allows us to fund his life there: food, veterinary care, and daily well-being in her new environment.
Together, let’s make his story one of hope, compassion, and freedom.
Every contribution, large or small, brings Kariba closer to his new home and also allows us to fund his life there: food, veterinary care, and daily well-being in her new environment.
Together, let’s make his story one of hope, compassion, and freedom.
