Storm's sound and fury frightens elephants

WAKEENEY, Kan., June 6 (UPI) -- Two pachyderms went packing in Wakeeney, Kan., taking to the streets after being frightened by high winds tossing circus equipment.

The elephants were part of an Oklahoma circus setting up in Wakeeney when storms moved through the area, Wichita, Kan., television station KWCH reported Friday. Storm-whipped winds tossed some of the equipment about, scaring the elephants and causing them to flee their trainers.

"My nephew called me and said you won't believe it, but there's an elephant in the backyard," said Wakeeney resident Diana Parke. "And I actually got mad at him and said, don't be playing with me,"

A handful of trainers, police officers, a U-Haul trailer and chain finally got Congo and Comba, back into the semi-truck they call home on the road.

Trainer Sloan Damon said he understands why the elephants fled.

"Elephants are real good, but they get spooked like people get spooked," Damon told the television station.

Congo and Comba were OK after their adventure, he said.

"They're fine; we're fine; town's people are fine," the trainer said. "Great group of people here. You know, they all helped."