A circus elephant is recovering at her home near Springfield after it was shot in Mississippi.

The 39-year-old elephant, named Carol, was shot Thursday in Tupelo, Miss., while performing in a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Her owner, Brett Carden, says he saw a man running from the scene after hearing the gunshot.

 

 

A veterinarian caring for the animal says the shot missed major organs or blood vessels and Carol should be fully recovered in three to four weeks.

Tupelo police and federal wildlife investigators say the shooting was intentional. They are looking for a silver or white Ford Explorer with tinted windows that was seen in the area.

Several organizations are offering a $26,250 reward for information leading to an arrest.