RUTHERFORD Co. Tenn. — Ed the zebra is home safe after a dramatic and highly publicized adventure through Middle Tennessee that captivated drivers and residents for more than a week.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Sunday that Ed was safely located in a pasture near the Buchanan Estates subdivision, not far from Interstate 24. Aerial crews with the sheriff’s Tango 82 unit spotted the animal, and a coordinated effort between the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency led to his safe return.
In a unique rescue operation, Ed was airlifted by helicopter and flown to a waiting animal trailer before being reunited with his owner.
Deputies had established a command post early Sunday to ensure the safety of nearby residents during the recovery.
Ed’s journey began shortly after arriving in Christiana on May 30. He was reported missing the following day and became a local celebrity after being spotted multiple times — including a wild dash across both directions of Interstate 24 on Saturday.
After escaping into a wooded area, Ed wasn’t seen again until Thursday, when new sightings prompted a renewed search effort.
The Sheriff’s Office shared video of the successful recovery operation and thanked all agencies involved in the unusual, yet heartwarming, rescue.
