Escaped zebra sparks traffic chaos, eludes capture in Rutherford County
Tennessee authorities are still searching for a zebra that escaped from its new owners over the weekend and has since caused a stir on highways and in suburban neighborhoods.
According to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO), the zebra vanished shortly after being acquired on the night of Friday, May 31. By Saturday, the striped fugitive was spotted trotting down Interstate 24 near Joe B. Jackson Parkway, prompting deputies to temporarily close the highway to prevent accidents.
Traffic stopped as the zebra sprinted across both lanes
Patrol Lt. Kenneth Barrett confirmed that the animal was “running through traffic on both sides of the highway,” creating a dangerous and unusual situation for weekend drivers. Deputy Ryan Keach was the first to spot the animal amid the traffic.
After briefly appearing on the interstate, the zebra disappeared into a nearby wooded area, where its owners attempted to chase it down on foot, unsuccessfully.
Caught on camera: Zebra roams residential streets
The zebra was later captured on home security footage, bolting through a residential neighborhood and making a quick right turn down the street. The footage, shared by ABC7, has since gone viral, drawing attention to the strange and somewhat comical saga.
Cpl. Zach Campbell with the RCSO confirmed that the zebra’s owners are continuing the search, and officials are monitoring sightings from the public.
Legal, but not exactly domesticated
As bizarre as the incident might seem, zebra ownership is legal in Tennessee. They are classified as Class III animals, which do not require permits under state law. However, the Library of Congress warns that zebras are not suitable as domestic pets due to their “unpredictable nature and tendency to attack.”
This is not the first time zebras have made a break for freedom in the U.S. In 2024, a group of four zebras escaped a trailer in Washington. Three were quickly recaptured, but one zebra named Shug evaded capture for six days, prompting a social media-fueled “zearch.”
Search ongoing, public asked to report sightings
As of Monday, the zebra remains on the run. The RCSO is asking anyone who spots the animal to avoid approaching it and instead contact local authorities immediately.
Whether this “zebra caper” ends in a safe recovery or inspires a sequel to Madagascar remains to be seen.
