Imagine being on the run for a week, and they airlift you back to your home!


In an unexpected turn of events, Ed, a pet zebra in Christiana, Tennessee, became an overnight viral sensation after a week-long adventure that saw him elude authorities and disrupt traffic. Ed escaped from his owner in Tennessee on May 31 and was spotted running through residential neighborhoods and on an interstate. After more than a week, the search finally came to an end on Sunday, June 8, when the zebra was captured by aviation crews.

“Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office [RCSO] is happy to report Tango 82 aviation crews located Zebra Ed and returned him to his owner Sunday,” the sheriff's office said in a statement on Facebook.


Who Is Ed?

Ed is a zebra who was reported missing on May 31, a day after arriving at his new home in Christiana. His owner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, had recently acquired him, and the zebra's sudden disappearance sparked a widespread search effort.


The great escape

Ed's escapades began when he was spotted running along Interstate 24, prompting authorities to temporarily shut down parts of the highway for safety reasons. Despite efforts to capture him, Ed managed to evade capture, leading to multiple sightings in residential neighborhoods and wooded areas.



Overnight internet sensation

As Ed continued his great adventures, social media users began sharing videos and memes featuring the zebra in various humorous scenarios. One popular meme depicted Ed dining at a Waffle House, a beloved Southern chain, while others imagined him visiting different Tennessee cities or even panhandling on the side of the road. These creative posts contributed to Ed's status as an internet sensation, with hashtags like #EdTheZebra trending online.


The end of an adventure

After more than a week on the run, Ed was finally located in a pasture near the Buchanan Estates subdivision on June 8. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office , along with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, initiated a daring helicopter rescue operation. Aviation crews used a net to airlift Ed, who was suspended mid-air with his legs dangling, to a waiting animal trailer. Video footage of the rescue quickly circulated online, showcasing the dramatic operation and Ed's safe return.


But, can you own a zebra?

In Tennessee, owning a zebra is legal, as they are classified as Class III animals that do not require special permits. However, experts caution against keeping zebras as pets due to their unpredictable nature and potential for aggression.

Zebras are wild animals with specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. The incident with Ed highlights the complexities and responsibilities associated with wild and exotic pet ownership .