Endangered Sorraia horses reintroduced to Alentejo in landmark rewilding effort

Wild horses were released onto a 1,000-acre estate designated as the future site of a scale elephant sanctuary, and the event recognised by one of the world’s most esteemed scientific societies.

Board Director of The Explorers Club, David Isserman told The Portugal News, “Under the banner of The Explorers Club flag 179, history was made in Portugal’s Alentejo region with the introduction of the endangered Sorraia horses—often called zebra horses for their distinctive markings. An ancient breed native to Portugal, these iconic herbivores have been critical to maintaining healthy ecosystems and preserving biodiversity for thousands of years.”

He went on to explain that “Introducing Sorraias to the Alentejo is a meaningful endeavour on its own, and is made even more compelling by the use of rewilding techniques to prepare the land for captive elephants in need of a sanctuary. All partners involved are dedicated to breaking new ground, embodying the spirit of the Explorer’s Club, and that’s why we have honoured this remarkable initiative.”

The Pangea Trust, the organisation behind Europe’s first large-scale elephant sanctuary, purchased the 1000-acre estate in Alentejo last year. Pangea’s Managing Director, Kate Moore, said “Our mission is to create a solution for zoos and circuses across Europe that need to rehome their elephants, and we’re following the model of sanctuaries in the Americas that give elephants the space to roam and forage freely in expansive, natural habitats.”

“The site has everything we were looking for—gentle rolling hills, diverse habitats, and plenty of water in a Mediterranean climate—but years of intensive farming have taken their toll. That’s why we partnered with Rewilding Portugal, who are local experts in restoring ecosystems, to help bring the land back to life. Like them, we’re dedicated to making the biggest impact we can by learning and adapting along the way, and it is a privilege to be recognized as we have by the Explorer’s Club.”

Why the Sorraia Horse Matters

Native to Portugal, the Sorraia horse is among the world’s rarest equine breeds. First identified in the 1920s by zoologist Dr. Ruy d’Andrade in the Sorraia River Valley, these resilient herbivores played a key role in maintaining the health of Mediterranean ecosystems. Sadly, their numbers dwindled to near extinction, but dedicated breeding programs preserved their legacy. Today, only a few hundred Sorraias remain globally, primarily in Portugal and Germany.

Rewilding Portugal has already demonstrated the success of similar efforts by introducing wild horses to the Greater Côa Valley, where these animals have revitalised local ecosystems. Now, this proven model is being adapted for the Alentejo region.

Jose Fontes, Rewilding Portugal’s Project Manager, said “We’ve worked with various large herbivores to fill the ecological role of natural grazers, and the Sorraias have proven excellent at breaking up shrubland, creating better conditions for other wildlife. That’s why we recommended their introduction to Pangea. They inherited their resilience from their primitive ancestors, and they are such beautiful animals - an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Reviving the Land with Nature’s Architects

The reintroduction of Sorraia horses to Pangea’s land is a strategic step toward restoring the degraded Alentejo landscape. Decades of eucalyptus plantations and cattle grazing had stripped the area of its ecological vitality. The Sorraia horses, known as “ecological architects,” will help reverse that damage by:

• Reducing wildfire risks through grazing that manages underbrush.

• Improving soil health by aerating it with their movement and enriching it with organic matter.

• Fostering biodiversity by encouraging the growth of native plants that support pollinators, small mammals, and birds.

Unlike seasonal agricultural grazing of animals like beef cattle, natural grazing supports biodiversity by allowing animals to graze year-round, shaping diverse habitats through natural behaviors and diets.

Their return to Alentejo, where they have been absent for over a century, will not only heal the land but also lay the groundwork for the sanctuary’s primary mission: providing a spacious, natural environment for both elephants and native wildlife.

Looking Ahead: Research and Restoration

The introduction of Sorraia horses also marks the beginning of a long-term ecological research program. Scientists will study the impact of these herbivores on vegetation patterns, soil health, and biodiversity recovery. Insights from this research will guide future land management strategies, ensuring the sanctuary’s success as a model for ecological restoration.

The Explorers Club Connection

Adding to the project’s prestige is the involvement of The Explorers Club, an organisation with a storied history of supporting scientific expeditions.

“The privilege of carrying Flag #179 connects this initiative to a legacy of exploration and discovery,” said Isserman. “It underscores the global importance of Pangea’s work in conservation.”

According to a Rewilding Portugal press release, “The Explorers Club is supporting our expedition by granting us the honour of carrying one of their iconic flags, a symbol of scientific discovery and exploration awarded only to expeditions that meet the Club's high standards for research and exploration.”

The flag awarded to Pangea for this expedition, Flag #179, has a storied history, having first travelled to Mount Everest in 1963 and subsequently accompanying expeditions to the Amazon Rainforest, the North Pole, the Yemen desert, and the ocean floor in the South Pacific.

“Carrying Flag #179 on our journey to reintroduce Sorraia horses in the Alentejo highlights the global significance of Pangea’s rewilding efforts and represents our commitment to advancing knowledge about ecosystem restoration and conservation in the Mediterranean region. This privilege not only honours our mission but also connects us to a legacy of explorers dedicated to understanding and preserving our planet.”

A Vision for the Future

The return of the Sorraia horses to Alentejo is more than a nod to Portugal’s natural heritage—it’s a blueprint for sustainable rewilding. By combining science, collaboration, and respect for the land, The Pangea Trust is setting the stage for a sanctuary where elephants, Sorraia horses, and native species can thrive together, creating a living testament to the power of ecological restoration.

For more information about The Pangea Trust, please visit https://www.pangeatrust.org/ and alternatively, for more information about Rewilding Portugal and The Explorers Club please visit https://rewilding-portugal.com/pt/oeste-iberico/ and https://www.explorers.org/.

“Rewild an acre” campaign

Pangea is set to welcome elephants by late 2025 as part of an ambitious rewilding project funded through its newly launched Nature Recovery Fund. For 30 pounds, supporters can sponsor an acre of land and receive a certificate, with all donations matched up to 30,000 by Lady Annabel Goldsmith. This initiative aims to create a thriving habitat for native wildlife and the estate’s future elephants.

To support the “Rewild an acre” campaign please visit https://www.pangeatrust.org/rewild-an-acre/

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes