Christiana, TN - The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office has been working to calm and capture a zebra that escaped a week ago near Christiana, Tennessee. The zebra was delivered to a local farm along with another zebra, purchased from a Texas company. While one of the animals was safely placed in a barn, the second zebra got loose during unloading and has remained on the run for a week. It still has not been captured, but they now have him under surveillance.

Reports indicate NC5 helicopter Spotted Zebra

Law enforcement, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), veterinarians, and community members have struggled to find a way to contain and safely capture the zebra. Drone teams and trackers have searched the area extensively, but the crafty animal continued to elude them. That was until the News Channel 5 traffic helicopter spotted and photographed the zebra using its powerful cameras mounted on the bottom of the chopper. The TV station notified authorities of the animal's coordinates.

That data directed every search team to the exact spot.  All Friday, drone team and professional searchers aided by a veterinarian attempted to capture the zebra. He is still loose and on-the-run in the wooded area of Christiana, near Interstate 24. However, this time as darkness fell on Friday night, the animal's exact location was known and the zebra was under heavy surveillance. 

New Plan for Weekend

Reports suggest that the Texas company is sending a specialist who will use a tranquilizer dart from a helicopter to sedate and capture the animal.

Meanwhile, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Sean White urges residents to avoid the search area, emphasizing concerns for both public safety and the zebra’s well-being.

As WGNS has previously reported, zebras are inherently wild animals. They are known for their ability to run at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour and possess a powerful kick capable of injuring predators. When feeling cornered, they may also bite. While zebras are difficult to domesticate, Tennessee law does allow for private ownership of the species.

Sheriff’s deputies have placed hunting surveillance cameras around the zebra’s current location and continue monitoring it with heat-sensing drones. Officials are determined to prevent another escape and remain focused on safely recovering the animal.

WGNS News will provide updates as the situation develops.