LifestyleAn elephant named Viola yet again strolls down the streets of Montana, America

An elephant named Viola yet again strolls down the streets of Montana, America

The animal suddenly appeared on the street
The animal suddenly appeared on the street
Images source: © Adobe Stock

19 April 2024 09:21

An extraordinary event unfolded in the United States, leaving drivers astonished at seeing an elephant roaming the streets. This unusual occurrence was later attributed to the elephant, Viola, escaping from a circus.

Local US media, including NBC Montana, revealed that Viola made her escape while being bathed by her caretakers, stirring controversy once again over the use of wild animals in circuses.

Elephant spotted on the streets

On Tuesday, 16 April, drivers on a national road in Butte, Montana, were met with an unexpected sight at an intersection - a large elephant wandering among the vehicles. The spectacle of the scared elephant, Viola, walking amidst the cars was captured on video and quickly became a sensation worldwide.

Viola is no stranger to escape; she had previously ventured out alone in 2010 and 2014.

After about 20 minutes of roaming, which drew significant attention, circus workers successfully recaptured the elephant. Thankfully, the event concluded without any damage or injury to Viola.

Renewed debate over wildlife in circuses

The incident has reignited discussions in the US about the ethics of using wild animals in circuses. The Washington Post reports that PETA, an international organization advocating for animal rights, insists that removing elephants from their natural habitats harms their development.

"Elephant calves nurse for several years while learning crucial social and behavioral skills from their mothers and other relatives. Elephants used in circus shows live a dismal life in which they are dominated, imprisoned, and violently trained," states PETA.

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