Wild moment elephant runs down busy road in Butte and halts traffic as baffled drivers watch on in Montana
A CIRCUS elephant has been filmed hurtling down a main road in Montana, bringing traffic to a standstill while leaving drivers open-mouthed.
The elephant, named Viola, who is 58 years old, got free in Butte, Montana, and is part of the Jordan World Circus which was the civic center.
Butte Civic Center Manager Bill Melvin said the handlers were giving the elephant a bath when passing vehicles spooked it and it ran off, CBS affiliate KXIF reported.
The enormous mammal ran across a busy road and caused traffic to stop.
A person was seen running after the elephant with a bullhook to try and get it to come back in a video captured by someone in traffic.
“A f***ing elephant is going down the road, my God,” a person said in the video.
Shortly after its escape, the elephant was safely returned to the circus.
Viola, who is originally from Asia, was wandering around the city for about 10 minutes, according to ABC FOX Montona.
There was no damage caused to the area after Viola’s escape besides some droppings, the outlet said.
Jordan World Circus was scheduled to perform two shows in Butte on Tuesday, according to its website.
Performing Animal Welfare Society released a statement that this is the second time an elephant has escaped Jordan World Circus and called the bullhook they used “menacing.”
“Video shows a handler chasing the elephant (later caught) with a menacing bullhook,” PAWS said.
“This is the second time an elephant has escaped from this circus.
“Elephants in circuses are violently trained, forced to perform tricks that are harmful to their health, and chained for hours on end.
“Escapes like this threaten the public and the elephant.
“Yet another reason that elephants should not be in circuses – or in captivity!”
PETA’S URGENT RESPONSE
Peta said in a statement it has urgently filed a complaint with federal authorities at the U.S. Department of Agriculture over the circus not properly protecting the elephant and people in the public.
It has requested that the department investigate Carson & Barnes and other parties involved to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
PETA wants Viola to be examined for injuries that she may have gotten during her escape.
Viola was given to Jordan World Circus by Carson & Barnes Circus, which has received over 100 violations from PETA for the federal Animal Welfare Act.
The elephant has escaped two times before in 2010 and 2014, according to PETA.
An investigation by PETA in 2021 found that Viola was being forced to perform daily with chronically swollen feet and issues with her back legs.
The elephant’s latest break for freedom comes after decades of abuse at the hands of Carson & Barnes, which has forced her to perform grueling, painful tricks for decades.
PETA
“The elephant’s latest break for freedom comes after decades of abuse at the hands of Carson & Barnes, which has forced her to perform grueling, painful tricks for decades,” PETA said.
PETA said the elephant’s escape endangered many lives and insisted it is best to not buy tickets to circuses that keep elephants on the road.
“Her desperate attempt to flee her weapon-wielding handler endangered many lives,” PETA said.
“We urge everyone to help keep elephants off the road by refusing to buy a ticket to any circus that forces them to perform.”
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