Sanctuary Manager

Are you a skilled leader with a passion for high-welfare animal care and operational excellence? Join Pangea as our founding Sanctuary Manager and help us create something extraordinary.

Location: Pangea Elephant Sanctuary – Alandroal/Vila Viçosa, Portugal
Contract: Full-time, on-site
Salary: €38,500–€47,000 gross/year + statutory bonuses (€45,000–€55,000 total)

Pangea is a large-scale elephant sanctuary and nature reserve, set within over 1,000 acres of natural habitat in Alentejo, Portugal. Our mission is to provide lifelong, high-welfare care to elephants in need.  We work collaboratively with zoos and circuses across Europe that are seeking responsible, compassionate re-homing options for their elephants, ensuring that each transition is handled with care and dignity.

This is a senior, hands-on role combining animal care oversight, team leadership, habitat management, stakeholder coordination, and regulatory compliance. You’ll work closely with our Managing Director, elephant care staff, and external partners to shape a sanctuary of international significance.

Essential Qualifications*:

• 5+ years’ experience managing animal care or sanctuary operations.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Familiarity with elephant behaviour and protected contact (or readiness to train).
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Fluency in English and willingness to develop Portuguese, if not your native language.

Download the full job description here. Position open until filled.

*Applications will only be considered if they meet the essential qualifications