The Happy Pod: Portugal’s last circus elephant rehomed

7/18/202627 min

For 40 years, an elephant named Julie performed as part of the Victor Hugo Cardinali circus in Portugal.

But after a law change banning wild animals for entertainment, Julie has now been given a new life in a dedicated sanctuary.

She is the first elephant to begin her retirement at the 400-hectare site in Alentejo in southern Portugal, run by the UK-based charity Pangea Trust.

Staff say Julie has adjusted very well to her new home, and is enjoying splashing around in the mud.

Also: A mysterious monkey with orange lips discovered deep in the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is confirmed as a new species.

A look back at the heartwarming moments of the FIFA World Cup that resonated with both fans and those not so keen on football.

We meet Kenya's ''Eco Mammas'', a group of women leading vital marine conservation efforts.

Plus the teenage pianist Freya Terris who made history by passing a highly technical piano exam using only her left hand.

Presenter: Chantal Hartle Music: Iona Hampson

(Photo:Julie the African elephant arrives at Pangea elephant sanctuary in Portugal. Credit: Pangea Elephant Sanctuary)

Clips

First 90 seconds

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Chantal Hartel· Host0:47
[outro jingle] This is The Happy Pod from the BBC World Service. [upbeat music] I'm Chantel Hartal, and in this edition, Portugal's last circus elephant reaches her forever home.
Ryan Hockley· Guest1:06
She's exploring the outside more and more each day. She's using the mud wallow. We couldn't be happier with the progress that she's making.
Chantal Hartel· Host1:15
Scientists discover a new species of monkey hiding in the Congo rainforest.
Kate Detwiler· Guest1:21
Having a new monkey species come to light after all these years of being in the landscape is just really extraordinary.
Chantal Hartel· Host1:28
A summer of