Runaway zebra caught, airlifted to safety

A runaway pet zebra that had been on the loose for more than a week in Tennessee was safely captured and returned to its owner Sunday in a dramatic helicopter rescue.

The zebra, named Ed, escaped on May 31, just a day after arriving at his new home in Christiana. Over the following days, Ed was spotted multiple times wandering through residential neighborhoods and even running along Interstate 24.

Authorities said the zebra was located Sunday in a pasture near the Buchanan Estates subdivision. Aviation crews from Tango 82 assisted in the capture and used a helicopter to hoist the animal to safety in a net.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office coordinated the rescue effort with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Ed has since been returned to his owner.