Paige, an African elephant, was paraded through the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston after Governor Greg Abbott's keynote speech, and was seen wearing a large banner supporting Abbott.

Paige the elephant at Texas Republican party's annual convention, June 12, 2026.

(photo credit: screenshot)

BySHIR PERETS

JUNE 21, 2026 08:28

A four-ton elephant appeared at the Texas Republican Party annual convention on Friday, but the moment turned awkward when the animal relieved itself on the floor.

Paige, an African elephant, was led through the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston after Governor Greg Abbott's keynote speech, and was seen wearing a large banner supporting Abbott.

She walked through the hall briefly before stopping to urinate on the floor, and footage of the moment quickly spread online as many described the incident as symbolic.

"That is a perfect representation of the Republican Party in America today," one person wrote on social media.

"What an honor seeing as the elephant (and its pee) are more dignified than anything else in that room," another wrote.

The Texas Republican Party also posted a video of Paige, without the urination, writing, "Welcome Paige! Thanks for stopping by the State Convention! What a treat for our delegates and guests - it is one they will not ever forget!"

Sanctuary where Paige lives condemned for animal rights violations

Paige belongs to an animal facility called the East Texas Elephant Experience in the city of Cut and Shoot, Texas. The East Texas Elephant Experience has received condemnations from the Animal Rights Coalition for allowing the animals to "be used by humans for a few moments of selfish entertainment."

"They deserve better. They deserve true sanctuary where they can live their lives free from exploitation and the threat of harm," the Animal Rights Coalition added.

According to the Animal Rights Coalition, Paige and her sisters, Jeanie and Krissy, are forced to endure "long hours of confinement, often chained and transported in cramped trailers across the country".

The African elephant is considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the species has been put at further risk after US President Donald Trump, himself a Republican, eased restrictions around the import of elephant trophies from certain African countries.