22-05-2025
DU's College of Law threatens legal action if CPW permits elephants at Renaissance Festival
DENVER (KDVR) — A legal battle may be brewing over the use of elephants at the Colorado Renaissance Festival.
On Tuesday, the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project at the University of Denver's Sturm College of Law issued a letter to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, threatening litigation if the agency grants—or fails to revoke—a permit allowing elephant performances at the annual event.
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Attorneys say doing so would violate state law.
'This law was specifically passed to prevent this kind of exhibition,' said Chris Carraway, a staff attorney with the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project. 'Allowing elephants at the Renaissance Festival would go against the letter and spirit of the law.'
The targeted exhibitor, 'Trunks and Humps,' has offered elephant performances at past festivals.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed receipt of the letter, but said it does not comment on pending legal matters. The owner of 'Trunks and Humps' Bill Swain has not yet commented.
Representatives of the Renaissance Festival also had no comment at this time, but on their website, the elephant experience is described as educational.
The 2025 Colorado Renaissance Festival is scheduled to begin in June.
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