DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado Renaissance Festival says it is working with the state to have elephants this year, despite claims by PETA that said Colorado Parks and Wildlife denied permission.

PETA said in a press release that Colorado Parks and Wildlife made the decision after calls and emails from members of PETA and Compassion Works International. Additionally, the University of Denver’s College of Law threatened to take legal action if CPW were to permit elephants at the festival.

However, in a response to FOX31 after this story’s original publication Jim Paradise, the vice president of the festival, said those claims are not accurate.

“The issuance of permits by the State for the years 2022-2024 is proof positive of that both the Renaissance Festival and Trumps and Humps are fulfilling that mission. The Renaissance Festival and its vendor are working with the State in the 2025 permitting process and are addressing various misperceptions,” Paradise said in an email to FOX31. “We look forward to having the elephants back to the Renaissance Festival this season.”

The animals were brought to the festival by Texas-based exotic animal exhibitor Trunks and Humps.

PETA said that the three elephants used by the company were captured from Africa over 40 years ago and claims that they have been forced to perform in a circus style since they were infants.

Colorado law prohibits the use of elephants and other exotic animals in traveling circus-style shows. PETA claims that Trunks and Humps threatens animals into doing tricks and gets past the law by falsely claiming an exemption for “educational” shows.

Paradise again refuted this claim saying the way the animals are used has changed since SB21-135 was passed in 2021, including that elephant rides are no longer offered.

“The Renaissance Festival has worked and continues to work with Trumps and Humps in its ongoing and successful efforts in educating people on the history, research, and care of elephants,” Paradise said.

Similar claims were included in the letter from the DU College of Law to CPW.

“Renaissance festivals may celebrate the past, but beating and threatening elephants with bullhooks should be relegated to the history books,” PETA Foundation Senior Director of Captive Wildlife Debbie Metzler said in a release.

The owner of Trunks and Humps has not yet commented.

FOX31 has also reached out to CPW for comment, but has not heard back as of publication.