Carol the elephant is part of the "Fully Charged" tour by Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus, which performed at Murray's CFSB Center, and is now in Tupelo, MS for a series of shows. The Asian elephant was wounded while she was in an outside area of the Tupelo BancorpSouth Arena.
Police Chief Tony Carleton says a vehicle drove past the arena about 2:00 am and fired into the area. Police are investigating what they believe was a deliberate act.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says in a news release that it is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible. A $250 reward had already been offered.
Circus spokeswoman Melinda Hartline says the elephant was not seriously hurt, and no other animals were harmed.