On May 31, 2025, an extraordinary event unfolded in Tennessee, capturing the attention of locals and media alike. Ed, a zebra who had recently been relocated to his new home in Christiana on May 30, made a daring escape shortly after his arrival. His owner reported him missing the next day. For several days, he roamed through neighborhoods, even making an unexpected leap onto Interstate 24, where drivers watched him run across both the eastbound and westbound lanes. His escapades quickly went viral, sparking extensive media coverage and igniting debates about the regulation of exotic pet ownership.
Ed’s remarkable journey came to a conclusion on Sunday when the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, successfully located and returned him to his owner. Ed was found in a pasture near the Buchanan Estates subdivision, close to Interstate 24.
A video by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the complexity of the rescue mission, which was prolonged by the presence of curious onlookers and cameras that further agitated Ed, complicating efforts to secure him safely.
Sheriff’s deputies were on standby to ensure the safety of residents. The operation included airlifting Ed via helicopter to an animal trailer, which was not an easy feat. There are serious risks involved when attempting to recapture an exotic animal in a populated area.
This situation underscores the pressing need for stricter regulations on the keeping of exotic animals as pets, which have specific and often unmet needs in domestic environments. Inadequate care and improper habitats can lead to significant stress for these animals, creating potentially dangerous situations for both the animals and their surrounding communities.
One critical aspect often overlooked by people wanting to own an exotic pet is the amount of space required for animals like zebras to express their natural behaviors. In the wild, zebras can roam for hundreds of miles, engaging with their herds and building social hierarchies. Limiting them to confined spaces hinders these instinctual behaviors.
Poor care can lead to health issues for the animals and increased risks to public safety. A frustrated wild animal may behave unpredictably, posing threats to neighbors and other animals. Deputies, using a drone for surveillance, expressed concerns about keeping Ed calm, urging the public to avoid the area to prevent further distress to the zebra.
In Tennessee, it is legal to own a zebra as a pet without requiring any permits, highlighting a significant regulatory gap that needs addressing. While Ed is fortunately safe, zebras are meant to thrive in their natural environment, not in captivity. His story emphasizes the urgent need for legislative change in order to protect these beautiful wild animals.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation for the THP and TWRA’s assistance in this successful rescue.
