The search for a runaway pet zebra, affectionately named Ed by residents, has finally concluded after nearly a week of evasion in Rutherford County, Tennessee. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office announced on Sunday that the zebra had been successfully recaptured and is now back with its owner.
In a dramatic turn of events, a video shared by the sheriff’s office on Facebook showcased the zebra being airlifted by a yellow helicopter. The footage revealed Ed's head and legs dangling from a net as he was hoisted into the air. Authorities reported that the intrepid zebra was located in a pasture adjacent to Interstate 24.
The owner of Ed, whose identity remains undisclosed, acquired the zebra on May 30 and reported its escape just a day later. According to earlier statements from the sheriff’s office, the zebra made its escape early the following morning. Details surrounding how the zebra managed to flee or the motivations behind its ownership are still unclear. However, on May 31, dispatchers received emergency reports of a zebra darting through traffic on Interstate 24.
Lisa Marchesoni, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, remarked, “This is the first zebra to escape in Rutherford County as far as I know in the 43 years I lived here.” After disappearing into a wooded area, Ed remained elusive for several days until he was spotted on Thursday. The breakthrough in the search came on Friday when a police drone successfully tracked the zebra sprinting through a field near Christiana, a community located approximately 40 miles south of Nashville.
As the search continued, drivers on Interstate 24 reported sightings of Ed as he dashed across both east and westbound lanes on Saturday. The combination of community vigilance and advanced technology ultimately led to the zebra's safe recapture. The incident not only highlights the challenges of pet ownership but also underscores the importance of community involvement in ensuring the safety of animals on the loose.
