Elephants Ambushed Nearby Tourists After Being Beat by Trainer

Elephants rushed through a seaside Danish town when one of their trainers beat them.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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In keeping with local tradition, circus trainers in the Danish seaside town of Karrebæksminde led three elephants—Lara, Jenny, and Jungla—to water for a cool drink after a long day of performing. But when the animals became restless and one of the trainers responded by beating them, the three escaped and charged through an area packed with tourists—and tourists' cars, one of which almost flipped like a pancake.

One woman was also injured when an elephant pushed her to the ground, according to 9News.com. There are a number of reasons why the elephants could have freaked out, like hormonal changes or remembering some other abuse that happened in their past. (Elephants really do have great memories, guys!)

Still, the circus has denied responsibility for the attack, and refuses to stop the traditional elephant march. They are reportedly working with police to ensure things go smoothly next year. 

Watch footage of the incident above—and be prepared to remember how small humans (and cars) are next to giant pachyderms.

[via the Daily Mail and 9New.com]

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