An escaped circus elephant named Viola caused quite the stir in Butte, Montana, on Tuesday as she took an unexpected stroll through town, providing a touch of whimsy and surprise to the local residents. Viola, who was part of the Jordan World Circus visiting Butte, was in the midst of her routine bath when a nearby vehicle backfired, startling the pachyderm and prompting her to make a break for it. The escape was captured in several videos that were widely shared on social media, showcasing her weaving through traffic and striding past a casino.
Kristin Parra, a spokesperson for the Carson & Barnes Circus, confirmed that Viola was unharmed during the incident and expressed gratitude that neither she nor any bystanders sustained injuries. Sheriff Ed Lester also confirmed that no injuries were reported.
The sight of an elephant casually strolling down the streets of Butte certainly provided an unusual spectacle for the local residents, with onlookers capturing the unexpected scene on video. The unexpected incident brought a moment of amusement and entertainment to the town.
The short-lived escapade concluded as Viola was swiftly corralled back into her trailer after less than 20 minutes, with no injuries reported. The Jordan World Circus, where Viola was performing, has yet to comment on the incident.
The peculiar and light-hearted nature of the escapade has left Butte residents with a unique and unexpected memory, as they recount the day when a circus elephant provided an impromptu spectacle in their town.
