In a startling turn of events, a circus elephant named Viola made headlines on Tuesday with a daring escape from the Jordan World Circus in Butte, Montana.
Scheduled to perform in two shows that day, Viola seized an opportunity for freedom, leaving her handlers and onlookers in disbelief.
According to a city official who spoke to CBS News, Viola’s unplanned stroll through Butte commenced when she slipped away from her trainer just before her scheduled appearance. With the circus tent in her rearview, Viola ventured onto Harrison Ave, a bustling thoroughfare in the heart of the city.
Footage circulating on social media captured the surreal scene as Viola, a majestic sight amidst the urban landscape, ambled down the street, drawing stares and causing a stir among residents. Pedestrians scrambled to capture the moment on their phones as Viola made her way past the town’s casino and into a nearby storage facility.
While her impromptu excursion resulted in some minor damage to the Civic Center’s storage area, city officials confirmed that no injuries were reported. J.P. Gallagher, the county’s chief executive, expressed relief that the incident concluded without harm to anyone involved.
Elephant named Viola escapes circus, takes walk through bustling Montana street. https://t.co/mSkFfqOFdB
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 17, 2024
Despite the dramatic nature of Viola’s escapade, her trainers eventually regained control and safely restrained her. However, this isn’t the first time Viola has sought freedom. Animal advocacy groups such as PETA and PAWS have highlighted previous instances of her escaping from captivity.
In statements issued following the incident, PETA and PAWS raised concerns about the treatment of circus animals, alleging a history of exploitation and neglect. Specifically, they pointed to Carson & Barnes, the circus responsible for supplying elephants to the Jordan World Circus, citing numerous violations of federal animal welfare regulations.
As Butte recovers from the unexpected excitement brought by Viola’s escapade, questions surrounding the treatment of circus animals and the ethics of their captivity continue to resonate.