Grant County deputies bodycam video shows fiery circus animal rescue along I-69

Bodycam video released to 21Alive News shows two police officers’ exotic animal rescue along I-69 over the weekend.

Early on Saturday morning, police say a trooper spotted a semi-trailer fire while patrolling the interstate in Grant County. The trooper found the driver had safely escaped but learned the trailer he was hauling was loaded with animals that were headed to the Shrine Circus in Fort Wayne.

The trooper and a Grant County deputy were able to rescue five zebras, four camels, and a miniature horse that were inside the trailer. All animals were unharmed, police say.

Officers from several area departments helped keep the animals secure until they were loaded onto another trailer and safely taken to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, circus leaders said Saturday.

Both the trooper and deputy were treated for smoke inhalation and were later released. Officials said the cause of the fire was equipment failure.