Butte, Montana received a surprising guest on April 16 – an elephant made its way onto the streets! Videos circulating on social media captured the mesmerizing spectacle of the elephant freely wandering the streets, having made a daring escape from the Jordan World Circus. Viola, the elephant, escaped during her regular bath when she was frightened by a loud noise from a passing truck.
As per a spokesperson from Carson & Barnes, the office responsible for handling elephants, Viola unexpectedly escaped from her handler and made her way across the main road, leading to worries about traffic and causing confusion among drivers. Fortunately, Viola managed to stay composed, and neither she nor any onlookers were harmed.
After crossing the road, Viola found herself in the vicinity of the casino and decided to take a moment to enjoy a snack of fresh grass. In the end, she was successfully reunited with her handler. Despite the worrisome incident, all parties involved expressed gratitude for Viola’s composed demeanor during the ordeal.
The elephant’s adventure grabbed the interest of nearby residents and people passing by. Mataya Smith, a bystander who witnessed the scene, was astounded by what she saw when she noticed the enormous creature in the middle of the road. Others were just as surprised and thrilled, leaping and gesturing towards the window.
According to Butte Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher, an incident occurred at the Civic Center storage area, resulting in some damage. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. Gallagher was thankful that no one was injured, even though there was some damage to the facility.
With a display of utmost professionalism and sensitivity, the elephant handlers skillfully managed to regain control over Viola in a remarkably short span of 20 minutes, without any involvement from law enforcement. Observers commended the handlers for their skill in calmly and patiently managing the situation.
Rarely do you witness the sight of an elephant casually strolling down a bustling street. As the elephant strolled along, certain onlookers were amazed by the surprising speed at which these majestic creatures can move, despite their outwardly leisurely demeanor. Some people jokingly suggested that the elephant was heading towards the casino to test her luck on the slot machines.
The entire incident concluded with a heartwarming ending when the elephant was reunited with a dear friend. The handlers employed a calm and reassuring approach to guide the elephant back, prioritizing her well-being. The reunion was incredibly heartwarming and far less intense than one might expect.
Ultimately, the surprise appearance of Viola the elephant left a lasting impression on the people of Butte, Montana. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of nature, and the importance of handling such situations with patience and care.