In Tennessee, a zebra that escaped from its owner’s property has been causing chaos by wandering around, even venturing onto the interstate highway, leading to traffic disruptions. Local police have launched a pursuit of the runaway zebra.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee posted on Facebook that the zebra arrived at its owner’s home on May 30, only to escape the next day on May 31.
Some locals spotted the zebra running onto Interstate 24, causing traffic chaos on both sides of the highway. Despite the temporary closure of the lanes by the authorities to try to capture the zebra, it managed to flee into the nearby woods. As of the morning of June 2, the police were still actively searching for it.
According to the Daily News Journal, Officer Zach Campbell met with the zebra’s owners. They mentioned that within less than 24 hours of acquiring the zebra, it escaped from their residence.
On June 1, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office reported that the zebra was still on the loose. Various official social media accounts of the county are consistently providing updates regarding the zebra.
While the Library of Congress states that zebras are “unsuitable for domestication due to their unpredictable nature and aggression,” in Tennessee, it is legal to keep zebras as pets.
In Tennessee, zebras, along with llamas, camels, and giraffes, are classified as Class III animals, meaning people can keep them as pets without the need for any special permits or paperwork.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who spots the zebra to call 615-898-7770 to report its location. They advise individuals not to approach the zebra if found to avoid any potential dangers.