In a scene straight out of a comedy movie, a pet zebra broke free in Rutherford County, Tennessee, sending locals and drivers into disbelief. The striped escapee galloped through suburban neighborhoods and stormed across lanes of Interstate 24 in Murfreesboro. As a result, traffic slowed to a crawl as stunned motorists watched the zebra dart between vehicles.
The animal, newly acquired by its owner, managed to slip away from its enclosure and flee into the nearby woods. Despite several sightings and attempts to corral the zebra, the chase turned into an all-day event with no resolution. As of Monday afternoon, the zebra was still missing, and officials said the owner hadn’t confirmed whether it had been recovered.
Sheriff’s deputies and animal control worked together to track the animal. However, capturing a full-grown zebra without proper fencing or equipment is easier said than done. One deputy even managed to snap a photo of the zebra mid-stride. It just added more fuel to the social media frenzy that quickly followed.
The Quirks of Tennessee’s Exotic Pet Laws
In Tennessee, owning a zebra might raise eyebrows, but legally, it’s no big deal. Zebras fall under the state’s “Class III” category of exotic animals, which includes species that don’t require a special license or permit to own. That’s right—owning a zebra in Tennessee is about as regulated as owning a guinea pig.
This incident has led to renewed questions about whether the state’s laws on exotic pet ownership are too relaxed. While it may sound cool to own a zebra, incidents like this make it clear that exotic animals can present safety risks, not just to the public, but to the animals themselves.
Local residents were stunned that a zebra could be kept as a pet with so little oversight. And as the animal continues to evade capture, frustrations are growing among neighbors concerned about road safety and the welfare of the runaway.
The Great Zebra Hunt
The unexpected wildlife drama left residents both amused and concerned. While some joked about spotting “Marty from Madagascar” in their backyard, others feared the zebra could cause an accident or get injured in its unfamiliar surroundings.
Wild animals—especially ones that aren’t native to the U.S.—can behave unpredictably when stressed or scared. With no experience in the Tennessee woods and no herd to follow, the zebra could be at risk of injury or starvation if not recovered soon.
Animal control urged the public not to approach the zebra if spotted, and instead to report the sighting immediately. It’s still unclear how the zebra managed to escape in the first place or how far it may have wandered by now.
A Striped Reminder: The Responsibilities of Exotic Pet Ownership
This wild chase through suburban Tennessee highlights the serious responsibilities that come with owning exotic animals. Zebras, while not classified as dangerous under state law, are not domesticated like dogs or cats. They’re herd animals used to wide-open spaces, and they don’t adapt well to confinement or human interaction.
When animals like this escape, it’s not just a funny news story—it’s a wake-up call. Exotic pets require proper enclosures, experienced handling, and contingency plans for emergencies. And when those things aren’t in place, the result can be a chaotic public safety concern.
As the search continues, many are calling for a review of Tennessee’s exotic animal laws. Whether or not the zebra is safely recovered, this incident has already left a mark—and maybe it’s time to rethink what kinds of animals belong in backyards and which ones belong in the wild.
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