Okha, the Elephant Who Was Left Behind, Has Spent Over 50 Years in Chains

More than half a century ago, animal traffickers in India kidnapped a baby elephant. They ripped her away from her home, her family, and the world she deserved to grow old in. Dealers shipped her across the globe and sold her to a circus, condemning her to a life of confinement, fear, and forced performances. Her name is Okha—and today, more than 55 years later, her captor still forces her to give rides and perform “tricks” at circuses.

A Lifetime of Fear, Not Choice

For decades, Okha has been carted from town to town, forced to give rides and perform tricks under the threat of violence. This is not entertainment. It’s exploitation. 

Elephants like Okha don’t perform because they want to—they perform because they know what will happen if they don’t. Her handler threatens her with a weapon called a bullhook, a sharp, pointed weapon designed to inflict pain. Trainers use it to control elephants through fear, and Okha has every reason to be afraid: Her handler has been caught violently striking elephants with it.

‘Retirement’ for Some—But Not for Okha

In 2022, Okha’s handler, Brian Franzen, retired two other elephants to locations where they are no longer forced to perform or give rides. They were finally free from the endless travel, the cramped living conditions, and the constant abuse.

But Okha was left behind.

An Elephant Who Should Be a Great‑Grandmother

Okha is now old enough to be a great‑grandmother. In her native India, she would likely spend her entire life in a tight‑knit herd, surrounded by generations of family who would learn from her, lean on her, and follow her lead. As profoundly family-oriented animals, mother elephants raise babies collectively, mourn losses together, and pass down knowledge through generations.

But Okha never got to experience those bonds. Her imprisoner currently houses her alone, even though elephants are deeply social animals who depend on companionship.

Okha’s Health Is Crumbling—and Time Is Running Out

Instead of spending her senior years roaming and grazing with her family, Okha spends much of her life confined to a cramped trailer and circus venue parking lots that deny her any opportunity for meaningful exercise. This is likely why she appears morbidly obese, which puts her at high risk for painful and even deadly joint and mobility issues. Forcing her to carry riders and perform confusing, unnatural tricks puts even more pressure on her sensitive joints. 

Footage reviewed by experts earlier this year estimated her body condition at 5/5—the highest and most dangerous score. She often appears slow to lie down or get up, likely because of her weight.

Every day she remains with Franzen is another day her health is at risk.

The Franzen Family: A Litany of Red Flags

The Franzen operation has a long, troubling history. Animal welfare citations include:

• Failing to provide an elephant with adequate veterinary care
• An employee forcefully striking an elephant with a bullhook to “teach” her a lesson
• A 1998 felony animal‑cruelty charge after investigators found several emaciated ponies in a trailer; Franzen ultimately pleaded guilty to letting animals go without care

What Retirement Would Mean for Okha

A true sanctuary would give Okha the space to roam freely, the opportunity for meaningful companionship with other elephants, expert veterinary care, proper nutrition, and finally, freedom from exploitation. After more than five decades of suffering, this is the very least she is owed.

What PETA Is Doing to Get Okha Out

PETA is campaigning relentlessly to get Okha the rest she desperately needs. We launched a petition calling on Franzen to retire her, and tens of thousands of supporters have already taken part. Behind the scenes, we’re contacting venues directly, alerting them to Okha’s suffering and urging them not to host any acts that force wild animals like Okha to perform. You can help us keep the momentum going by taking action through our alert.

Right now, Okha is being hauled across the country and forced to perform for the notorious Loomis Bros. Circus—a company with a sordid history of working with abusive exhibitors who routinely beat and whip animals into submission.

Meanwhile, we’re stepping up our efforts on the ground. We’re planning bold demonstrations at venues hosting Loomis Bros. Circus, and we’ll continue to show up at other venues where Okha is forced to perform.

Join our demonstrations to speak up for Okha if she comes to your town! Keep checking back here as the schedule may change. If Okha is near you, please join PETA’s demonstration at the venue. Every single person makes a huge difference!

Pendleton, South Carolina – Facebook event

• Monday, June 29, 6:30 pm
• Tuesday, June 30, 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm
• Wednesday, July 1, 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm

Lawrenceville, GA – Facebook event

• Friday, July 3, 6:30 pm
• Saturday, July 4, 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 6:30 pm
• Sunday, July 5, 2 pm and 5 pm

Sarasota, FL – Facebook event

• Friday, July 31, 6:30 pm
• Saturday, August 1, 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm
• Sunday, August 2, 2 pm and 5 pm

Now Is the Moment to Act for Okha

Okha has suffered more than 50 years of fear, isolation, and forced labor, and she cannot afford to wait any longer. Every additional performance, every mile hauled, every day spent without proper care puts her aging body under even greater stress.

Public pressure has already helped countless animals suffering in circuses: In 2025, after hearing from more than 50,000 PETA supporters, Mysterious Circus—which used Okha—dropped all animal acts. In 2026, Jordan World Circus removed elephants from its shows.

YOUR action can do the same for Okha. Please, speak up today.