The Beijing Zoo experienced an "earthquake" on Monday when a 5-year-old elephant dashed out of its newly built house and ran across a lawn during a rehearsal of a donation ceremony.

The elephant, a gift from the Sri Lankan government, escaped from its house while trainers and keepers were busy preparing for the rehearsal.

It took more than 40 minutes to catch the 1-ton young and energetic elephant and help it calm down. Fortunately, no one was injured although the animal left a mess on the lawn surrounding its new house.

(Beijing Evening News)