Watch: Elephant on the loose in Montana
An elephant named Viola escaped from the Jordan World Circus in Montana, causing a stir as she wandered through the city, leading to road closures and concerns among locals.
Viola got spooked by a car backfiring while her handler was washing her, which led her to break free and roam the town. Videos shared on social media captured the moment when the elephant walked along the roadside after escaping from her handlers during a cleaning session.
Reports from NBC News stated that the elephant, startled by the car's noise, headed towards a petrol station in Butte, Montana. Josh Hannifin, who manages the petrol station, described the event as "pretty exciting," recounting how he and his coworker spotted the elephant and managed to capture a video of her passing through their lot.
"It’s not everyday you see an elephant walking down Harrison Avenue in Butte, Montana," Hannifin remarked, reflecting the unusual nature of the incident.
Local news sources mentioned that the road had to be briefly closed until the elephant was safely apprehended and returned to the circus. Mataya Smith, who witnessed the event, praised the handlers for their gentle approach in guiding the elephant back, noting that they patiently waited with her, offering comfort and calming her down until help arrived.
While some witnesses mentioned that the elephant left a mess on a lawn before being captured, others described the scene as an "unbelievable" and "unusual wildlife sighting."
Responding to the incident, a spokesperson from PETA highlighted the elephant's "desperate break for freedom," attributing it to years of mistreatment and forced performances in the circus, which included grueling and painful tricks. The group lodged a complaint with federal authorities regarding the circus's alleged failure to protect Viola during the escape.
Comments