An elephant named Viola recently caused chaos in Butte, Montana, after escaping a circus and roaming the streets on her own. Astonishing video shows the Asian elephant casually walking through a four-lane road in Butte on Tuesday, dodging moving cars on her way towards a casino building. Eyewitness Matayah Smith told Fox News Digital that she was in her car with her husband when she first noticed the majestic creature, with her husband having initially alerted her to the elephant. Concern then turned into amusement as the locals stopped to watch where the elephant would go next. Sheriff Ed Lester of the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department confirmed that the animal was “spooked by a vehicle” and escaped her handlers briefly but was eventually loaded back into a trailer with no injuries to humans or Viola.
The elephant was walking in the street for a block or two before being safely loaded back into a trailer by circus staff. The incident resulted in no injuries, and Sheriff Lester expressed his relief that the situation ended well, allowing the circus to continue as scheduled. However, PETA revealed that this was not Viola’s first escape, as she had previously escaped from circuses in 2010 and 2014. According to a PETA investigation, Viola 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 and described her escape as a “desperate break for freedom.”
PETA submitted an urgent complaint to federal authorities regarding the circus’s failure to protect Viola and the public from the frightened animal’s attempts to flee her handler. They urged the public to stop supporting circuses that still force elephants to perform. In a statement, the circus that owns Viola explained that she was startled by a truck during her routine bath, causing her to escape briefly. The circus expressed gratitude that Viola remained calm and that no injuries were sustained by her or any bystanders during the incident. Viola was eventually found grazing on some grass behind the casino area after the ordeal.
The video of Viola’s escape quickly went viral, capturing the hearts of many who were both concerned for her safety and amused by the bizarre situation. Local residents in Butte stayed respectful of the elephant’s space, maintaining a safe distance and allowing her to roam without escalating the situation. While the initial concern for the elephant’s safety was high, it gradually decreased as Viola made her way off the road and began grazing on grass without causing harm to herself or others. The unexpected sight of an elephant wandering the streets of Butte created a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who witnessed it.
Viola’s escape shines a light on the ongoing issue of cruelty towards animals in circuses and the ethical concerns surrounding their treatment. PETA’s investigation into Viola’s situation reveals the distressing conditions that captive animals like her are subjected to, raising awareness about the need to reform the use of animals in entertainment. By telling Viola’s story and advocating for her freedom, PETA hopes to inspire others to take action and refuse to support circuses that mistreat animals for human amusement. The circus industry faces increasing scrutiny as incidents like Viola’s escape highlight the dangers and ethical dilemmas of using wild animals in performances.
