A zebra being airlifted by helicopter.
Share this @internewscast.com

THIS is the moment a runaway zebra was airlifted by helicopter in a giant net after a week-long rampage.

Ed the Zebra was finally captured Sunday after being spotted in a pasture in Christiana, Tennessee.

A zebra being airlifted by helicopter.
Ed the zebra being airlifted by helicopter back to its ownerCredit: Reuters
Helicopter airlifting a zebra.
The animal could be seen with its head poking through the netting as he was flown back to safetyCredit: Reuters
Zebra being lifted into a trailer.
Ed had been missing for a week after escaping its owner’s home in Christiana, Tennessee
Zebra lying in the grass.
The zebra was spotted trotting along Interstate 24

The video captures the daring black-and-white striped escapee with its head peeking through the netting as it is carefully lifted above the trees, heading back to safety.

The bizarre chopper rescue came after Ed, a newly acquired pet zebra, broke free from his owner’s hom just one day after arriving on May 30.

In a statement, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office said: “Ed was airlifted and flown by helicopter back to a waiting animal trailer.”

Ed became a local icon and internet phenomenon, known for darting across congested highways, slipping into wooded zones, and even featuring in numerous online memes.

One had him dining at Waffle House, another showed him panhandling on the side of the road.

Authorities said Ed was spotted trotting along Interstate 24, where deputies were forced to shut down traffic to prevent accidents.

Despite the chaos, the striped fugitive slipped away once more, vanishing into the trees.

Multiple sightings followed, with social media sleuths and neighborhood residents reporting zebra sightings like they were tracking Bigfoot.

At one point, Ed was filmed casually trotting through a suburban street like he owned the place.

China zoo slammed for painting donkeys black and white to look like zebras in ANOTHER ‘fake animal’ gaffe

Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies finally caught a break when drone surveillance located Ed grazing in a field on Friday.

But with crowds gathering and cameras rolling, officials pleaded for space to complete the rescue.

“The zebra’s owner noted that people and cameras were frightening the zebra, possibly jeopardizing efforts to capture the animal,” said a statement from the Sheriff’s Office.

“Please avoid the area to allow the safe recovery of the zebra.”

With the help of a veterinarian, aviation crews were able to secure Ed in a net and hoist him into the air for his long-awaited return.

“We don’t want to scare the zebra,” said Sheriff’s Cpl. White. “We need time to get him to calm down.”

Exactly why the aerial option was chosen remains unclear—but after eight days of zebra-induced mayhem, officials likely weren’t taking any chances.

Just before Ed’s airborne return, a kangaroo named Sheila brought traffic to a standstill in Alabama after pulling a similar stunt.

Sheila was spotted hopping along Interstate 85 in Macon County, sending drivers into a frenzy.

Authorities had to shut down both sides of the highway to avoid collisions.

“When somebody said there was a kangaroo of course I didn’t believe it, and nobody believed it. But I’m looking at him,” said Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson in a now-viral Facebook Live video.

State troopers and Sheila’s owner eventually wrangled the marsupial without injury.

But the sight of a kangaroo on a Southern freeway had already left its mark—and its memes.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency confirmed the incident, saying the kangaroo was safely captured after creating a brief but chaotic stretch of traffic mayhem.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Former Florida law enforcement officer accused of forcing 6-year-old underwater in hotel pool: report

Ex-Florida Officer Allegedly Submerged Child in Hotel Pool: Investigation Underway

A woman facing charges for allegedly holding a young boy underwater at…
Nigeria says it shared intelligence to support US strikes on ISIS

How Nigeria’s Intelligence Collaboration Boosted US Strikes Against ISIS

The Nigerian government recently disclosed that it collaborated with the United States…
Times Square ball goes red, white and blue for America's 250th birthday

Times Square Illuminates in Red, White, and Blue to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

This year’s New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square will have a…
Australian foreign minister issues apology to Jewish community in wake of Bondi terror attack

Australian Foreign Minister Extends Apology to Jewish Community Following Bondi Terror Incident

In the aftermath of the tragic December 14 terror attack in Bondi,…
Don't Pop the Champagne Just Yet - Bush Admin Alum Warns JB Pritzker Over SCOTUS Nat'l Guard Decision

Bush Era Expert Cautions Governor Pritzker on Supreme Court’s National Guard Ruling

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court opted not to halt a lower…
Tax unfairness soars under Donald Trump

Tax Inequities Escalate Significantly During Donald Trump’s Tenure

In recent years, America’s tax structure has been shaped by a series…
Kentucky State University shooting suspect charged with murder is parent of a student

Kentucky State University Shooting: Grand Jury Decision Sparks Controversy as No Indictment Issued

A grand jury has chosen not to indict the father of two…
Tynesha McCarty-Wroten charged with killing pedestrian Darren Lucas in Zion, was allegedly livestreaming on TikTok while driving

Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, Accused in the Death of Pedestrian Darren Lucas During Alleged TikTok Livestream, Released from Custody

A tragic incident in Zion, Illinois has culminated in a woman being…
Man arrested for attempted murder on Christmas in Fort White

Suspect Apprehended in Christmas Day Attempted Murder Case in Fort White

A 53-year-old man named Johnny McNutt has been taken into custody following…
California family revives beloved Christmas tradition with surprise sleepover visit

California Family Reunites for Heartwarming Holiday Sleepover Tradition

A heartwarming family tradition in California has captured the hearts of millions…
Tim Walz’s Daughter Uses Christmas Message to Condemn ICE for ‘Terrorizing’ Communities

Tim Walz’s Daughter Criticizes ICE’s Impact on Communities in Holiday Message

Hope Walz, the daughter of Minnesota’s governor and former vice-presidential hopeful Tim…
Long Island CVS employee stabbed to death on Christmas Day

Tragic Christmas Day Incident: Long Island CVS Employee Fatally Stabbed

Tragedy struck on Long Island this Christmas Day when a 23-year-old CVS…