An elephant named Viola recently escaped from a circus in Butte, Montana, causing chaos as she roamed the streets on her own. Video footage captured the Asian elephant walking casually through a four-lane road in Butte, dodging moving cars on her way towards a casino building. Eyewitness Matayah Smith described her surprise at seeing the majestic creature while in her car with her husband. Initially concerning, the incident turned into amusement as locals stopped to watch where the elephant would go next. Thankfully, no injuries were reported to either humans or Viola, as circus staff were able to load her into a trailer and continue with their scheduled show.
Sheriff Ed Lester of the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department confirmed that the elephant was momentarily spooked by a vehicle, which led to her escape from her handlers. Despite walking in the street for a block or two, Viola was safely loaded back into a trailer by circus staff. The incident ended well, with no harm done to anyone involved. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) stated that this was not Viola’s first escape, as she had previously gotten away from circuses in 2010 and 2014. PETA also criticized Viola’s treatment, alleging that she was forced to perform even while suffering from chronically-swollen feet in 2021.
PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Welfare Debbie Metzler condemned Viola’s supplier for allegedly abusing her for decades, calling her escape a “desperate break for freedom.” PETA urged the public to boycott circuses that still force elephants like Viola to perform. The circus that owns Viola explained that the incident occurred when she was startled by a truck during her routine bath, leading her to escape onto the streets of Butte. Despite the scare, the circus representative expressed gratitude that Viola remained calm and that no injuries were sustained by her or any bystanders.
Overall, the escape of Viola the elephant in Butte, Montana, provided a moment of surprise and amusement for locals who witnessed the unusual sight of the majestic creature walking through the streets. Despite initial concerns for her safety and the safety of others, Viola was safely returned to circus staff without any injuries reported. The incident also shed light on the treatment of animals like Viola in circuses, prompting organizations like PETA to advocate for the ethical treatment of captive animals and encourage the public to boycott events that exploit animals for entertainment. By raising awareness of the plight of animals like Viola, there is hope for a future where they can live free of abuse and mistreatment.
