An elephant named Viola caused a stir in Butte, Montana on Tuesday when she escaped from the Jordan World Circus during her routine bath. The incident was triggered by a truck backfiring, which startled the elephant and led her to run away.
Viola had previously escaped from the circus twice before, once in 2010 and again in 2014. During this latest escape, she roamed through traffic and parking lots before being recaptured by circus staff.
The elephant's handler, Armando Loyal, confirmed that Viola was back with the circus after her brief escape. He also noted that the incident left minor damage to a storage area at the Butte Civic Center.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) expressed concern over Viola's welfare and urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate the Jordan World Circus following Tuesday's incident.
Despite causing some disruption, no injuries were reported during Viola's brief escape. The circus show went on as scheduled later that day.
This is not the first time an elephant has escaped from a traveling circus in Montana. In 2018, an elephant named Tara also escaped from the Jordan World Circus in Great Falls and caused significant damage to a hotel before being recaptured.
The incident comes as animal rights groups continue to call for an end to the use of animals in circuses, citing concerns over their welfare and treatment.