Drama Diaries – Covering the latest online drama
Elephant escapes circus in Montana: chaos on the streets
Residents of Butte, Montana, got more than they bargained for during their morning commute on Tuesday (April 16) when a surprising sight greeted them: an elephant casually strolling down the road. The unexpected escapade unfolded as the 58-year-old Asian elephant, named Viola, made her way through traffic, parking lots, and even someone’s front lawn.
A bizarre encounter
In footage captured by bystanders, the massive mammal can be seen ambling across the road, drawing disbelief from onlookers. Brittany McGinnis, one of the locals who filmed the incident, captured the surreal moment, exclaiming, “A f****** elephant is walking down the road. Only in Butte. A circus elephant got loose.”
The Great Escape
Viola’s unplanned excursion occurred while she was being washed by her trainers in a parking lot ahead of a scheduled performance. Seizing an opportunity, the elephant made a dash for freedom, wandering through the city streets. Fortunately, the circus handlers swiftly intervened, calmly guiding Viola back to safety within ten minutes.
Potential Risks and Criticism
While the escapade ended without property damage or injuries, the incident drew criticism from animal welfare organizations. The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) condemned the use of elephants in circuses, citing concerns about their well-being and public safety.
