According to CM, the sanctuary will cover around 400 hectares (equivalent to approximately 400 football pitches): 200 on two properties in the parish of Pardais (Vila Viçosa) and the same amount in the neighbouring municipality of Alandroal. In total, it will house 25 elephants.

The project is a private investment, being carried out by Kate Mor, who belongs to an international fund for the protection of elephants. “There are contacts with promoters of a conservation project to welcome elephants that are in captivity, either in circuses or in other situations that, given the evolution of legislation, will no longer be legal in Portugal and throughout Europe”.

About 35,000 years ago there were elephants in the Alentejo, more specifically on the Vicentina coast, in the areas of Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes, and in the dune area of Malhão, according to an investigation by a team from Geopark Naturtejo da Meseta Meridional, which published a detailed description of three tracks produced by these animals.