Elephant Escapes Circus, Roams Butte Streets

Summary:

Butte, MT – Montana residents reported an alarming sighting: an elephant on the loose in Butte. The incident was captured on video by stunned witnesses as she navigated through traffic on busy streets, sometimes coming within inches of parked cars. A man, who appeared to be her handler, can be seen running alongside her.

Local media reported that the elephant escaped from the Jordan World Circus, which was holding a show at the Butte Civic Center on Tuesday, April 16th. Butte Civic Center Manager, Bill Melvin, told local news that a female elephant temporarily escaped when the animal’s handlers were washing her outside and a passing vehicle backfired. The elephant was spooked by the sudden noise, then managed to break free from her handlers’ control.

Luckily, the elephant’s handlers were able to capture and secure her before local law enforcement had to get involved or anyone was harmed.

Action take by Born Free USA:

Notes: