Circus elephant shot in drive-by

Elephant named Carol hit while standing outside Mississippi arena

A Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus elephant is recovering after being hit by a bullet in a drive-by shooting in northern Mississippi.

The elephant named Carol was not seriously injured in the shooting early Tuesday, circus spokeswoman Melinda Hartline told The Associated Press.

No other circus animals were hit.

According to Tupelo police, someone drove by the BancorpSouth Arena at about 2 a.m. and fired shots into the area.

The elephant was standing in an area outside the arena at the time, Tupelo TV station WTVA reported.

Police are investigating, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.