Runaway Zebra's Wild Escape Ends in Dramatic Helicopter Rescure
Dramatic helicopter footage captures the eight-day rescue of a missing pet zebra found safe in a Tennessee pasture.
The search for an escaped pet zebra in Tennessee came to a successful conclusion after eight days, when the animal was safely reunited with its owner following an extensive county-wide effort. The zebra, known affectionately by locals as "Zebra Ed," was discovered in a pasture near the Buchanan Estates subdivision, not far from the busy Interstate 24.
Authorities confirmed that "Zebra Ed" was located by aviation crews and promptly returned home on Sunday. Dramatic video footage captured the moment when the animal was airlifted from a wooded area by helicopter, bringing an end to a week of mounting curiosity and concern among residents and officials.
According to officials, "Zebra Ed" had only recently arrived in Christiana, making his escape just one day after settling in with his new owner. The circumstances surrounding how the zebra ended up in Rutherford County, or details about his living arrangements prior to escaping, have not been disclosed by authorities.
The zebra's adventure began on May 31, when deputies responded to reports from bystanders who spotted the animal running loose near Joe B. Jackson Parkway and the Epps Mill Road exits. The presence of such an unusual animal on the road caused significant disruption, with law enforcement forced to close lanes traveling both toward Chattanooga and Nashville to protect drivers and the zebra itself.
After the initial sighting, "Zebra Ed" managed to evade capture for several days. It wasn't until June 6 that he was spotted again, this time grazing in a field near Ridgewood Drive in Christiana. Deputies, utilizing a drone camera, coordinated with a veterinarian in hopes of bringing the zebra to safety without stressing the animal. "We don’t want to scare the zebra," explained one deputy, emphasizing the careful approach authorities employed during the rescue operation.
For now, the future for "Zebra Ed" remains uncertain, with officials yet to release information about his next destination or whether any new measures will be put in place to prevent another escapade. Residents and animal lovers alike, however, are celebrating the safe return of the zebra whose unexpected journey provided both local excitement and a unique challenge for law enforcement.
