Escape of Circus Elephant Viola Causes Stir in Butte, Montana

On a fateful Tuesday, April 16, the Jordan World Circus in Butte, Montana, was preparing for a spectacular performance by Viola, a magnificent circus elephant. Little did they know, this day was about to take an unexpected turn.

As the clock ticked towards showtime, Viola made a daring move – she managed to escape from her trainers and roamed through the streets of Butte. The bustling city was taken by surprise as the mammoth creature strolled through Harrison Ave, causing quite a stir among the locals.

"One of the circus elephants managed to escape from its trainer and wandered onto Harrison Ave, a bustling street in town," revealed J.P. Gallagher, the county's chief executive.

Witnesses captured the surreal scene on social media, showcasing Viola calmly walking amidst the city traffic. She even made an unexpected detour, passing by the town's casino and venturing into a storage facility, leaving onlookers in awe.

The Aftermath

Despite the commotion caused by Viola's escapade, city officials confirmed that no one suffered any injuries. However, the storage facility at the Civic Center did sustain some damage, reminding everyone of the unusual events that had transpired.

"Although there was minor damage to the facility, we are grateful that everyone remained unharmed," expressed Gallagher, emphasizing the relief that no harm befell anyone.

Interestingly, this was not Viola's first venture away from the circus grounds. Animal advocacy groups PETA and PAWS revealed that the circus elephant had previously escaped, shedding light on potential concerns regarding her well-being and care.

PETA alleged that Carson & Barnes, the circus that provided elephants to the Jordan World Circus, has a history of subjecting them to strenuous exercises and has faced over 100 violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

Following the escapade, Viola's trainers successfully managed to regain control over their elusive star, bringing an end to the unexpected city-wide spectacle. CBS News reached out to both circuses involved for their official statements regarding the unusual events.