Runaway pet zebra captured in Tennessee

Associated Press

Published Jun 08, 2025 • Last updated Jun 09, 2025 • 1 minute read

In this image taken from June 8, 2025, video by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office in Rutherford County, Tennessee, shows the airlifting of a zebra named Ed that had evaded capture for several days after it ran away from its owner. Photo by Rutherford County Sheriff's Office /AP

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — A runaway pet zebra that was on the loose for more than a week in Tennessee and became an internet sensation in the process was captured Sunday, authorities said.

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Ed the Zebra was captured safely after being located in a pasture near a subdivision in the Christiana community in central Tennessee, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. The sheriff’s office said aviation crews captured the zebra.

“Ed was airlifted and flown by helicopter back to a waiting animal trailer,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Video posted by the sheriff’s office shows Ed wrapped in a net with his head sticking out as he is carried by the helicopter to the trailer.

Celebrity Zebra Ed rescued safely Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is happy to report Tango 82 aviation crews located Zebra Ed and returned him to his owner Sunday. Ed was located in a pasture located near the Buchanan Estates subdivision near Interstate 24. Sheriff’s deputies established command with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Sunday morning. Deputies were on standby for safety of the residents who live nearby. Ed was airlifted and flown by helicopter back to a waiting animal trailer. He became an international sensation through social media memes throughout the country. The zebra originally arrived in Christiana May 30. His owner reported him missing the next day. Drivers on Interstate 24 watched him scampering across the highways in both the eastbound and westbound lanes Saturday. He escaped into a wooded area and disappeared until being spotted Thursday. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the THP and TWRA for their assistance in the successful rescue. Video supplied by Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
Posted by Rutherford County Sheriff's Office on Sunday, June 8, 2025

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Ed arrived in Christiana on May 30, the sheriff’s office said. His owner reported him missing the next day.

The zebra was spotted and filmed running along Interstate 24, forcing deputies to shut the roadway. But Ed escaped into a wooded area.

There were several sightings posted to social media. Ed was filmed trotting through a neighbourhood.

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The zebra quickly became the subject of internet memes. One fake posting showed Ed dining at a Waffle House, a southern staple. Others had him visiting other Tennessee cities or panhandling on the side of the road.

The pursuit of Ed came a month after a runway kangaroo shut down a section of Alabama interstate.

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