Ed The Zebra, Captured After Week-Long Escape, Is Now An Internet Star

News18

2 days ago

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Ed, a zebra that had gone missing in Tennessee, managed to stay on the loose for an entire week before being safely recaptured and flown out by air.
In a bizarre yet captivating story out of Christiana, Tennessee, a zebra named Ed became an unlikely celebrity after escaping his owner and embarking on a wild, week-long adventure. The drama began on May 31, when Ed broke free and began roaming through neighbourhoods, startling residents and even weaving through traffic on a nearby interstate.
Videos and sightings of the striped fugitive quickly made their way online, turning Ed into a viral sensation as people across the country followed his journey.
Authorities and local volunteers tried repeatedly to capture him, but the crafty zebra managed to stay one step ahead. Finally, on June 8, after more than a week on the run, the chase came to an end when Ed was safely located and captured with the help of aviation crews. The runaway zebra's journey may be over, but his legendary escape is one the town won't forget anytime soon.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office announced on Facebook that the aviation team Tango 82 successfully found Zebra Ed and brought him back to his owner on Sunday.
Who Is Ed? Read All About His Great Escape
Ed went missing on May 31, a day after being brought to his new home in Christiana, Tennessee. Recently purchased by a private owner, who has opted to stay anonymous, Ed's unexpected escape quickly triggered a large-scale search and drew public attention.
His wild adventure kicked off when he was seen sprinting down Interstate 24, forcing officials to temporarily close sections of the highway to protect both drivers and the zebra. Although several attempts were made to catch him, Ed proved elusive, with numerous sightings reported in local neighbourhoods and nearby wooded areas over the following days.
As Ed's runaway journey unfolded, social media lit up with videos, memes, and jokes, placing the zebra in all sorts of hilarious situations. One viral meme showed him casually eating at a Waffle House, while others imagined him sightseeing across Tennessee or holding a cardboard sign by the roadside.
The internet quickly embraced Ed's escapades, turning him into a local legend with hashtags like #EdTheZebra gaining traction and fuelling his rise as an online sensation.
After over a week on the run, Ed was found near Buchanan Estates on June 8. In a dramatic helicopter rescue, crews airlifted him in a net to safety. The video of his mid-air recovery quickly went viral.
Is it legal to own a zebra?
Yes, in Tennessee, zebras are considered Class III animals, meaning no special permits are needed to keep one. However, experts strongly advise against it.
Zebras are unpredictable, sometimes aggressive, and have complex needs that are difficult to manage at home. Ed's escape is a clear reminder of the risks involved in owning exotic wildlife.
First Published:
June 10, 2025, 16:35 IST
News viral Ed The Zebra, Captured After Week-Long Escape, Is Now An Internet Star