Federal records show a circus that owns four elephants that were briefly stranded on an Oklahoma roadway had a pachyderm escape its enclosure and roam free through a Wisconsin residential neighborhood last summer.
A U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report shows a Carson & Barnes Circus elephant got free from restraints in June at Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The female elephant was loose for a few hours before her trainer led her back to her barn.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals criticized Hugo, Oklahoma-based Carson & Barnes after the floor began falling out of a trailer hauling the four elephants Wednesday, leaving them stalled for about two hours awaiting another ride. A statement from PETA urges people to avoid the circus’ shows.
Carson & Barnes spokeswoman Jennifer Wisener said Thursday a veterinarian examined the four elephants and that they appeared to be fine.