PETA ask Cage The Elephant to change their name

Animal rights organisation PETA has called on the rock band Cage The Elephant to temporarily change their name to Free The Elephant across their social media platforms. The request coincides with the band’s scheduled performance during the NFL halftime show in Munich on November 15, featuring the New England Patriots versus the Detroit Lions.

PETA’s campaign centers on an elephant named Okha, who the organisation alleges has endured many years performing in circus environments under harsh conditions. The group has highlighted Okha’s treatment, claiming she has been transported by an exhibitor named Brian Franzen, who reportedly has prior felony cruelty to animals charges and has been caught on video mistreating elephants.

In a letter to Cage The Elephant, PETA urged the band to lend their well-known name temporarily to raise awareness and support for Okha’s retirement to a sanctuary offering care, dignity, and peace away from performing. PETA emphasised that renaming the band for a short period could contribute to ending animal cruelty in circuses.

The organisation further disclosed that it has orchestrated over 30 protests advocating for Okha’s release, reached out to venues hosting animal performances, and mobilised tens of thousands of supporters to press for the elephant’s retirement.

PETA’s appeal also encourages the public to oppose venues that feature animal acts and to support sanctuaries that provide elephants like Okha with appropriate habitats, veterinary care, and companionship.

Cage The Elephant has not issued a public response to PETA’s request, and nme.com reports that the band has been contacted for comment. Brian Franzen has similarly not responded publicly to the allegations made by PETA.

This initiative follows PETA’s previous campaigns targeting public figures and brands to alter their names or characters temporarily for awareness purposes. The group previously asked Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant to adopt the moniker Robert Plant Wool to promote alternatives to sheep’s wool and urged Nintendo to modify the design of a character in Mario Kart World cited as promoting animal cruelty.

Amid these developments, Cage The Elephant has announced the details of their forthcoming album, Dying In Reverse, slated for release on February 5, 2027, through Big Loud Rock. The band has also scheduled a UK and European tour in 2027, with ticket availability ongoing.

The call for a temporary name change introduces a complex dynamic for the band’s branding and promotional activities, especially amid the rollout of a new album and an extensive tour. Altering the band’s name even briefly on social media could affect recognition and marketing consistency during a critical phase of their career.

The intersection of music promotion and animal rights activism in this case highlights the expanding influence of social causes on entertainment marketing. Should Cage The Elephant accede to PETA’s request, it may set a precedent for how artists engage with activist campaigns that leverage high-profile events like NFL halftime performances.

The situation also presents potential challenges in managing the band's public image and relationship with fans, who may have varying responses to the name change and the underlying cause. It remains to be seen how the band will balance their artistic and commercial interests with the pressures of advocacy groups.

As the story unfolds, further statements from Cage The Elephant and Brian Franzen are anticipated to clarify their positions. The outcome could influence future collaborations between artists and social advocacy organisations aiming to leverage platform visibility for activism.