For over a week, one zebra turned a whole state upside down with an escape that had authorities scratching their heads.
But when they finally caught him, the video left people across America shaking their heads in disbelief.
And this runaway zebra’s wild adventure ended with one scene that has everyone talking.
Ed the Zebra goes on the run across Tennessee
Most people don’t expect to see a zebra galloping down the interstate on their morning commute.
But that’s exactly what drivers in Tennessee witnessed when Ed the Zebra decided he’d had enough of captivity and made a break for freedom.
For more than a week, Ed turned Rutherford County into his personal playground, evading capture and giving authorities a run for their money.
The striped escape artist made headlines when he was first spotted running out of a neighborhood on security camera.
Then, Ed was seen trotting across Interstate 24 in both directions on Saturday.
Drivers couldn’t believe their eyes as they watched the zebra dodge traffic like he was starring in his own action movie.
"Drivers on Interstate 24 watched him scampering across the highways in both the eastbound and westbound lanes Saturday," the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office reported.
Ed managed to flee into a wooded area and vanished until being spotted Thursday, leaving authorities wondering where he’d pop up next.
Authorities launch air support to catch one clever zebra
After days of unsuccessful ground searches, authorities decided it was time to bring in the big guns.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office deployed their aviation unit to track down the elusive zebra from above.
On Sunday, their patience finally paid off when they located Ed in Christiana, Tennessee.
But capturing a zebra isn’t as simple as rounding up a lost dog.
The authorities had to use a helicopter to airlift Ed back to safety, and the video of his aerial adventure has people talking.
https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1932116283488965024
"Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is happy to report Tango 82 aviation crews located Zebra Ed and returned him to his owner Sunday," the sheriff’s office announced on Facebook.
The video shows Ed spinning around as he dangled from the helicopter, creating a dizzying scene that looked like something out of a nature documentary gone wrong.
Video goes viral as Ed spins through the air
The sight of Ed the Zebra twirling through the air as he was airlifted to safety has captured the attention of people across the country.
Social media users have been sharing the video, with many expressing amazement at the unusual rescue operation.
Other videos posted throughout the week showed Ed running wild through Tennessee residential neighborhoods, giving residents quite the surprise.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency assisted in the successful capture operation.
"The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the THP and TWRA for their assistance in the successful rescue," authorities stated.
Ed’s owner was undoubtedly relieved to have his striped friend back home safe and sound after the week-long adventure.
One zebra’s escape shows the lengths authorities will go
Ed’s great escape highlights just how far modern law enforcement will go to ensure public safety and animal welfare.
Using helicopter resources to capture one runaway zebra might seem excessive to some, but authorities couldn’t risk Ed causing a traffic accident on the busy interstate.
The successful operation demonstrates the coordination between multiple agencies when dealing with unusual situations.
Ed’s week on the run gave him a taste of freedom that most zoo animals never experience.
But his spinning helicopter ride back to captivity probably convinced him that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence.
The Tennessee authorities handled the situation with professionalism and a touch of humor, acknowledging the unusual nature of their mission.
Ed the Zebra’s adventure is now over, but the video of his aerial acrobatics will live on in internet history.
The successful rescue operation proves that when it comes to protecting both animals and the public, authorities will pull out all the stops.
Even if it means giving one zebra the helicopter ride of a lifetime.
Related posts:
One squirrel’s shocking attack became a day off of school for some Virginia students
This attempt to get the right picture left this woman mauled by her furry “friend”
This town is rallying to support this brave dog that put its life on the line to save its owner
An emotional support alligator owner confirmed the worst after this bad situation
