News Summary
Ed the Zebra, who captured hearts and gained internet fame after escaping from his new home, was finally captured in Rutherford County, Tennessee. His week-long adventure had locals buzzing as community members joined in the search. Ed’s antics, including amusing social media posts and traffic disruptions, turned him into a beloved local celebrity. Now back home, discussions about exotic pet ownership continue, highlighting the complexities of caring for such animals. Ed’s story is a reminder of the joy and challenges associated with exotic animal pets.
Ed the Zebra’s Wild Adventure Comes to an End in Tennessee
After a week of excitement and adventure, Ed the Zebra has finally been captured in Rutherford County, Tennessee! This lovable zebra found himself on a wild spree after escaping from his new home shortly after arriving on May 30, 2025. Little did he know he would soon become an internet sensation and local celebrity.
The Great Escape
It all began on May 31, 2025, when Ed’s owner realized they had lost track of him just one day after his arrival. The zebra, known for his striking black and white stripes, was seen darting around Interstate 24, causing quite a stir. In fact, traffic had to be halted as deputies attempted to corral him, but Ed cleverly evaded capture, running into a nearby wooded area.
Over the next several days, Ed was spotted in various locations, including a field near Ridgewood Drive just a few days before his capture. His antics quickly turned him into a social media darling, with townsfolk sharing pictures and videos of Ed trotting through neighborhoods and parks. Memes were created, depicting Ed on various humorous adventures, including dining at a Waffle House!
Tracking Down a Zebra
The authorities took Ed’s escape seriously and coordinated an extensive search operation. The sheriff’s office, along with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, worked together in a bid to safely recover Ed. A drone was even used to keep tabs on his movements as officers attempted to track him down.
On June 8, 2025, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived—Ed was safely captured! Finding him in a pasture close to the Buchanan Estates subdivision in Christiana, aviation crews swooped in to airlift the zebra back to safety using a helicopter. Video footage captured the heartwarming moment where Ed was carefully wrapped in a net and carried off, providing an unforgettable view for onlookers.
Community Involvement and Local Celebrity Status
During his time on the run, Ed captured the hearts of local residents, who eagerly joined the hunt to locate him. Discussions erupted regarding the ethics of owning exotic animals as pets, as many pondered if having Ed as a household companion was appropriate. It’s worth noting that Tennessee has no special permits required for zebra ownership, which further fueled the conversation around the issue.
Once Ed was captured, the Ford family, his owners, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and attention their zebra had received during his escapades. They acknowledged that Ed had not only become a viral sensation but also brought their community together, infusing the neighborhood with a lively spirit throughout his adventure.
What’s Next for Ed?
As Ed embarks on this new chapter, a veterinarian will monitor his health post-capture to ensure he is doing well after his week on the loose. While Ed has settled back into his routine, discussions about the implications of owning exotic pets, such as zebras, are expected to continue in the community.
Ultimately, Ed’s wild journey not only made headlines but also highlighted the unique joys and challenges of animal ownership. For now, Ed is safe, and while his time on the run may be over, he will undoubtedly remain a cherished figure in Tennessee’s history—and a reminder of the sheer delight animals can bring to our lives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Zebra
- WKRN News
- Google Search: escaped zebra Tennessee
- Tennessean
- Google Scholar: exotic animals as pets
- Newsweek
- Encyclopedia Britannica: animal ownership
- New York Times
- Google News: runaway zebra Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
