Ahead of their scheduled halftime performance at the New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions game this Sunday, November 15, the band Cage The Elephant has been asked by PETA to temporarily rebrand. The animal rights organization is pushing for the group to adopt the moniker “Free The Elephant” across their social media channels for one week to draw attention to the welfare of a circus elephant named Okha.
Cage The Elephant CREDIT: Lewis Evans
In an official statement, PETA alleges that Okha has spent the majority of her life performing under duress. The organization is currently advocating for the animal to be retired to a recognized sanctuary. According to PETA’s claims, the elephant is being transported by exhibitor Brian Franzen, who has faced previous allegations regarding animal cruelty, including footage that reportedly shows him striking the animal with a bullhook.
Addressing the band directly in a formal request, PETA stated: “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 expressed hope that a temporary name change could help generate momentum in their broader campaign to eliminate the use of animals in circus entertainment.
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Beyond this specific request, PETA has been active in hosting demonstrations and lobbying venues to cease partnerships with circuses that utilize live animals. To date, the band has not issued a public response to the proposal, and representatives for the group have been contacted for comment. Brian Franzen has also remained silent regarding the accusations levied against him.
This initiative is part of a recurring strategy by the organization to leverage high-profile names to highlight animal rights issues. Previously, PETA reached out to Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, requesting he perform under the temporary name “Robert Plant Wool” to promote plant-based alternatives to sheep’s wool. Similarly, the group has targeted corporate entities, such as their past demand for Nintendo to alter the design of a character in Mario Kart World.
While the band navigates this request, they are looking ahead to a busy 2027. They recently unveiled plans for their upcoming studio album, Dying In Reverse, slated for a February 5 release via Big Loud Rock, and have scheduled a series of tour dates across the UK and Europe for the coming year.
