Escaped Rutherford zebra being tracked via drone; officials warn public to 'stay clear'
A deputy used a drone to find an escaped zebra nicknamed "Ed" on social media on the morning of June 6 in a field near the Christiana community, a press release said.
"Deputies are tracking the zebra with the drone," the press release from Rutherford County Sheriff's spokeswoman Lisa Marchesoni added. "Thanks to Rutherford County Deputy Ryan Bauer for the video."
Rutherford Sheriff's Cpl. Sean White has asked people to avoid the area.
'We don't want to scare the zebra,' White said in the press release. 'We need time to get him to calm down.'
The zebra's owner shares the department's concerns that people and cameras are scaring the animal, making efforts to secure it all the more difficult, Marchesoni said.
The department has not named the owner publicly.
But Marchesoni said the owner did obtain his own professional searchers to look for the zebra.
Zebra on the run: Nashville Zoo spokesperson warns 'stay clear of that animal'
A cornered zebra can be dangerous, according to Nashville Zoo spokesman Jim Bartoo.
"Their kick can crush a lion's skull in defense," said Bartoo, a 25-year staff member.
Bartoo recommends people stay clear of the zebra and let experts do their job to corral or tranquilize the animal.
"These are not domestic animals," Bartoo said. "They are wild animals. They have a different temperament (than a horse or donkey). They can be aggressive in defending themselves."
If authorities are unable to capture the zebra, Bartoo said people should keep an eye out for where the animal may roam and call authorities if they see it.
Should the zebra escape again, those who see the wild animal should contact the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office by calling 615-898-7770, Marchesoni said.
The runaway animal captured national attention May 31 after it was spotted running along both sides of Interstate 24 between Joe B. Jackson Parkway and Elam Road. The zebra tied up traffic for at least an hour, said Marchesoni, the sheriff's spokeswoman.
In the days since, the zebra has sparked many conversations and posts on social media, including memes promoting Middle Tennessee State University sports, local businesses, bumper stickers and even an AI-generated song.
The Sheriff's Office has requested help from a veterinarian to assist in the zebra's rescue.
The department has noted it will send another update when more information becomes available.
This is a developing story.
Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Zebra rescue in works: Rutherford deputy tracking animal by drone
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