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9/24/26 - Elephant Rides Are Happening Now at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival

6 hours ago
1 min read
Elephant beside a costumed woman at a festival; sign reads Speak out against elephant abuse at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

Krissy, Jeanie, and Paige are the three African elephants forced to give rides at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival during its 2026 season. The rides are happening now, and these elephants need your voice.


Day after day, they are made to walk the same small circuit carrying paying customers. These intelligent, social animals deserve lives built around their own needs—not another season of being exploited for profit.


CWI raised the alarm in June. Exhibited as Trunks and Humps, the elephants are transported long distances for rides and appearances. Public pressure has made a difference before: in 2025, sustained advocacy helped prevent their use at the Colorado Renaissance Festival.


With the Minnesota festival entering its final weekends before the season ends October 4, now is the time to speak out. Tell festival organizers to end the elephant rides and commit to making future Minnesota Renaissance Festivals elephant-free.



In Minnesota? Join a local protest.


Animal Rights Coalition has a protest against animal rides scheduled for Sunday, September 27, from noon–2 PM at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee.


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