On the morning of May 8, 2003, Jumbo, a 21-year old, 8 foot tall Asian elephant, biggest of the 10, escaped its confines when a trainer allegedly left the visitor entrance gates open after the taping of the GMA network morning show Sis.[2]
Upon the elephant's escape, it had injured two trainers who were trying to stop it. Other handlers were unable to restrain the animal, which led it to walk some 3 kilometers passing by Ramon Magsaysay High School, onto EDSA traffic, finally ending in Tomas Morato Avenue where it took rest. A truck was used to block the animal from progressing further into the street.[3]
The sight of the elephant seemingly touring the streets attracted the attention of a crowd of onlookers that gathered around it.[4] Handlers chained Jumbo to a tree and fed it bananas. A resident later doused the elephant with water to keep it cool. The elephant did not show signs of distress and was able to perform a few tricks entertaining the crowd.[5] A veterinarian eventually tranquilized Jumbo.[6]
The MMDA brought a crane and a truck to bring the sedated animal back to its enclosure, however, upon raising the animal to load it on the truck, they dropped Jumbo on his back, damaging a nearby taxi.[7]