Photo: Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
A runaway pet zebra named Ed, who captured the internet's attention, was safely captured and airlifted to safety on Sunday (June 8) in Tennessee. Ed had been on the loose for more than a week, becoming an internet sensation during his escapade. The zebra was finally located in a pasture near the Christiana community in central Tennessee, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's office confirmed that aviation crews captured Ed and transported him by helicopter back to a waiting animal trailer. Video footage shared by the sheriff's office shows Ed wrapped in a net, with his head sticking out, as he was carried by helicopter to safety. Ed's adventure began when he arrived in Christiana on May 30, and his owner reported him missing the following day.
Ed was spotted and filmed running along Interstate 24, prompting deputies to shut down the roadway temporarily. He was also seen trotting through neighborhoods, and his antics quickly led to a flurry of internet memes. Some posts humorously depicted Ed dining at a Waffle House or visiting other Tennessee cities.
The pursuit of Ed was reminiscent of a similar incident a month prior, when a runaway kangaroo shut down a section of an Alabama interstate. According to People, it is legal to own a zebra as a pet in Tennessee, where they are classified as Class III animals that do not require special permits. However, the Library of Congress notes that zebras' unpredictable nature makes them unsuitable for domestication.