PETA Urges Cage the Elephant to Temporarily Become “Free the Elephant” in Campaign to Save Circus Elephant

Ahead of Cage the Elephant's halftime performance at the NFL Munich Game, animal rights organization PETA is calling on the two-time Grammy Award-winning rock band to temporarily change its name to “Free the Elephant” across social media in support of an elephant that has spent more than five decades performing in circuses.

The campaign centers on Okha, a 56-year-old elephant who PETA says was taken from her family in India as a calf and has spent most of her life in captivity. The organization is urging the band to adopt the temporary name for one week to raise awareness and help secure Okha's retirement at a reputable elephant sanctuary.

According to PETA, Okha is currently under the control of circus exhibitor Brian Franzen, who has previously faced felony animal cruelty charges. The organization alleges that Franzen has been filmed using a bullhook, a sharp metal-tipped instrument used to control elephants, to strike and intimidate animals.

PETA also reports that Okha is experiencing serious health and mobility problems, including obesity and difficulty lying down, standing, and moving. The organization claims she has been kept without elephant companionship since 2022, when her two companions were transferred to another facility.

Brian Franzen yanks Okha with a sharp metal-tipped bullhook during a performance. Credit: PETA

In its letter to Cage the Elephant, PETA referenced the band's hit song “Ain't No Rest for the Wicked,” writing: “There ain't no rest for Okha. We think you'd agree that she deserves the chance to spend her remaining years in peace with care, dignity, and respect.”

The organization believes the band's global platform could bring significant attention to Okha's situation and strengthen public pressure for her retirement.

PETA says it has already organized more than 30 demonstrations, contacted venues hosting animal performances, and mobilized tens of thousands of supporters to advocate for Okha.

The campaign ultimately seeks to relocate her to a sanctuary where she could receive specialized veterinary care, explore larger natural habitats, and potentially live alongside other elephants.

The request also highlights how musicians can use their public influence to bring attention to issues extending beyond the entertainment industry.

At the time of PETA's announcement, Cage the Elephant had not publicly confirmed whether they would participate in the proposed name change.