In a story that quickly galloped its way into the hearts of Tennesseans and beyond, a zebra on the loose in Rutherford County not only brought traffic to a halt but also united a community in humor, concern, and curiosity. The animal, a recent addition to a private farm, escaped from its enclosure on Friday, May 30, 2025, and is still missing as of early June, with search efforts ongoing.
A Striped Escape
The zebra had been brought to a property in the Christiana area just days before the escape. According to officials from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, the animal broke free late Friday evening after reportedly nudging open a loosely secured gate. The sheriff’s office responded to a flurry of sightings over the weekend as the zebra was seen trotting freely across fields, suburban lawns, and — most dramatically — across Interstate 24 near Joe B. Jackson Parkway in Murfreesboro.
Authorities were forced to temporarily shut down both sides of the interstate to prevent accidents and allow the animal to safely cross, causing significant traffic delays and a spike in phone calls to local dispatch centers.
Social Media Sensation
Once video footage of the zebra’s interstate adventure began circulating, the animal quickly turned into a local celebrity. Residents affectionately dubbed it “Zippy the Zebra”, and hashtags like #ZebraOnTheLoose, #RunZippyRun, and #RutherfordStripes began trending on social media.
Memes, GIFs, and parody “missing zebra” flyers flooded local Facebook groups. One resident joked, “Only in Tennessee could your Saturday include dodging deer, potholes, and now — a zebra.”
Even Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office joined in the light-hearted spirit, posting: “No ticket issued. Suspect fled the scene — fast.” The post garnered thousands of shares and further boosted the zebra’s fame.
Search Efforts Continue
As of June 6, the zebra remains at large. Authorities believe it is still in the rural, wooded areas near Murfreesboro but caution that locating the animal is not easy.
“We’re monitoring the area and responding to sightings, but it’s like finding a moving needle in a haystack,” said Sgt. Chris Hill with the county’s Animal Control division.
Local volunteers have joined the effort, with many offering drone surveillance, trail camera footage, and tips from nearby farms. Despite the community’s eagerness to help, officials have urged people not to chase or approach the zebra for safety reasons.
“It’s likely frightened and trying to stay away from humans,” added Hill. “We want to ensure a calm and humane recovery.”
Legality and Exotic Pet Debate
In Tennessee, zebras fall under Class III exotic animals, meaning no special permit is required for private ownership. While technically legal, critics argue that the incident underscores the need to reevaluate how exotic animals are regulated.
“Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s wise,” said Dr. Alana Myers, a wildlife veterinarian and advisor with the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. “Zebras are not domesticated animals. They can be unpredictable, especially when stressed or scared.”
Dr. Myers pointed out that while Zippy has not harmed anyone, the situation could have ended very differently had the animal panicked in traffic or encountered aggressive dogs.
Echoes of the Past
This is not Tennessee’s first zebra escapade. In 2013, a zebra named Zeke made headlines when he escaped from a farm in Cleveland, Tennessee, and roamed freely for months before being recaptured. That incident sparked a similar discussion on the responsibilities of exotic animal ownership, though regulations have largely remained unchanged since.
“It’s part of a growing trend,” said Caroline Byrd, a journalist who covers wildlife issues in the South. “More people are buying exotic pets without fully understanding the containment or behavioral needs. Zippy’s story may be amusing, but it also highlights real policy gaps.”
Community Reaction
Despite the legal concerns, the mood in Rutherford County has remained largely upbeat. Local businesses have launched zebra-themed promotions — including “Zebra Mocha” drinks at a Murfreesboro café and novelty t-shirts reading “I Brake for Zebras.”
“It’s brought the whole community together in an unexpected way,” said Melissa James, a school teacher who took her kids on a “zebra hunt” through nearby trails. “In a world full of bad news, Zippy gave us something to laugh about.”
Local animal rescue organizations, however, are taking the opportunity to educate the public on what to do if they encounter the zebra: don’t chase, stay quiet, and call authorities immediately.
Conclusion
As the search for the runaway zebra continues into its sixth day, Rutherford County remains gripped by a curious mix of concern and community camaraderie. While Zippy has so far evaded capture, the animal has also trotted its way into local legend — and may even inspire new local ordinances on exotic pet ownership.
In the meantime, residents keep their eyes on the horizon — or the next Facebook post — hoping that their striped visitor will eventually trot home safely.