Residents of Butte, Montana, experienced something they probably never would have expected on Tuesday.
An adult female elephant escaped from its holding area on the grounds of the traveling Jordan World Circus.
The massive creature began walking through the community, leaving witnesses in disbelief.
A handler attempted to corral the massive animal, with seemingly limited prospects of success.
WARNING: The following video contains vulgar language that some readers may find offensive.
🚨#BREAKING: A circus elephant has gotten loose after escaping from its circus tent
⁰📌#Butte | #Montana
Watch as Law enforcement and other authorities shutdown the streets after a A Circus elephant was running loose in the streets stopping traffic while a handler ran after it… pic.twitter.com/9jz2Pd7U6V
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 16, 2024
The animal in question is a 58-year old Asian elephant named Viola, according to the U.K. Independent.
A circus elephant got loose in Butte MT today. I guess she got sick of working for peanuts. pic.twitter.com/QzuEEDyN2h
— HorsesRGreat (@greninger_r) April 17, 2024
The elephant even stopped for a bathroom break during its jaunt around town -- on someone's lawn, according to KECI.
One X user pointed out the comedy of an adult elephant strolling by one of the city's casinos.
