In a scene straight out of the hit animated film Madagascar, a recent zebra escape in Tennessee caused significant disruptions on Interstate 24 near Murfreesboro. The incident, involving a newly acquired pet zebra, led to temporary lane closures and a challenging search effort.
On Saturday, the zebra broke free from its owner’s property, just a day after being brought home. The animal was seen running through residential neighborhoods and onto Interstate 24, weaving between vehicles and prompting authorities to shut down traffic in both directions to ensure public safety.
Deputies from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded swiftly, with Patrol Lt. Kenneth Barrett noting that the zebra was “running through traffic on both sides of the highway.” Despite efforts to corral the animal, it managed to evade capture and fled into nearby woods.
Security camera footage later captured the zebra navigating through a neighborhood, highlighting the extent of its escape. As of Monday, the zebra remained unlocated, and authorities continued their search, urging the public to report any sightings.
In Tennessee, zebras are classified as Class III animals, which means they can be kept as pets without special permits. However, their unpredictable nature raises concerns about their suitability as domestic animals.
The incident underscores the challenges of keeping exotic animals as pets and the potential risks involved. As one local official remarked, “It’s not every day you get a call about a zebra on the interstate” .
