MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — A zebra that escaped from its owner over the weekend remains on the loose, prompting a growing search effort and ongoing warnings to residents in Rutherford County.

The owner notified the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office dispatch Monday afternoon that the zebra is still missing. In response, several professional tracking groups are now assisting, and a K9 search is scheduled for Tuesday to aid in locating the animal.

Authorities are urging the public not to approach the zebra if spotted and instead contact the Sheriff’s Office at 615-898-7770.

The zebra’s escape has drawn regional attention after being spotted multiple times across southern Rutherford County, including Epps Mill Road near Rankin Drive, Aldridge Drive, and Cliffside Drive.

On Saturday afternoon, the animal was seen trotting through a subdivision, eventually making its way onto Interstate 24 near the Buchanan Road exit. Deputy Ryan Keach located the zebra and temporarily shut down one lane of traffic to protect drivers. As the zebra crossed I-24, deputies closed both eastbound lanes toward Chattanooga and westbound lanes toward Nashville to ensure public safety.

The zebra fled into a wooded area shortly after its owner arrived and tried to recapture it. No injuries or accidents have been reported, but the zebra remains unaccounted for as search efforts continue into the week.

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - A zebra that escaped from its owner over the weekend remains on the loose, prompting a search by local deputies and warnings for area residents.

According to Rutherford County Sheriff’s Cpl. Zach Campbell, the zebra was brought home by its owner Friday night but was reported missing Saturday. The animal was later seen trotting through a subdivision along Epps Mill Road, near Rankin Drive, Aldridge Drive, and Cliffside Drive.

The zebra eventually made its way onto Interstate 24 near the Buchanan Road exit, where Deputy Ryan Keach spotted it and temporarily shut down one lane of traffic to protect motorists.

As the zebra crossed the interstate, deputies closed both eastbound lanes heading toward Chattanooga and westbound lanes toward Nashville to ensure safety. The zebra eventually ran into a wooded area after the owner arrived and attempted to capture it.

Authorities are still working to locate the zebra. Anyone who sees the animal is urged to contact the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office at 615-898-7770.

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Drivers along Interstate 24 near Joe B. Jackson Parkway were met with an unusual sight Saturday afternoon—a zebra darting across lanes of traffic, causing major disruption and prompting a police response.

According to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, the loose zebra was first spotted just around 3pm, weaving between vehicles and running across both westbound and eastbound lanes. In response, deputies temporarily shut down the interstate in both directions to protect motorists and the animal.

A passerby managed to snap a photo of the zebra near the interstate, which was shared with the sheriff’s department. That image, confirming the zebra’s presence on the highway, has also been shared with this story along with a Ring doorbell camera video of him trotting through a neighborhood.

County Commissioner Jonathan Beverly acknowledged the bizarre situation in a statement on social media, writing, “I can’t believe I’m writing this, but nothing surprises me much anymore. There is a zebra loose near Epps Mill Road—yes, an actual zebra. If seen, please do not approach. Authorities are assisting.”

Authorities later confirmed the zebra had escaped from a private owner in the area. 

No injuries or accidents were reported during the incident.