Drone video reveals moments missing zebra 'Ed' is captured in Rutherford County

CHRISTIANA, Tenn. (WZTV) — After more than a week on the run, a zebra that escaped from its new family in Tennessee was safely recovered on Sunday.

"Ed" (named by fans following his adventure online) was located in Christiana with the help of search crews, volunteer drone operators, and even a private helicopter team flown in from Texas.

Ed escaped on May 30, just hours after arriving at his new home in Middle Tennessee. The animal jumped a fence and began a journey that took him along I-24, through suburban neighborhoods, and across rural backyards— caught on trail cameras grazing freely and frolicking in a stream, evading capture along the way.

Corey Ortiz, a neighbor who assisted in following the zebra's whereabouts, described a surprising encounter with Ed in the woods.

“We were both crossing through the woods and we ran into each other, and scared each other,” Ortiz said. “After I saw him, we set alfalfa out for him.”

The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office and volunteers, including Manchester-based Volunteer Drone Services, joined the effort to bring Ed home. The incident sparked nationwide attention and plenty of online memes.

On Sunday morning, Ed was spotted by Tango 82 Aviation from Texas, a private helicopter crew hired by his owners.

Thermal drone footage from Volunteer Drone Services showed a net was used to wrangle in the zebra. Volunteer Drone Services, owned by Branson Wells, specializes in tracking animals with its drone technology, including deer, pets and livestock.

Though Ed stumbled during the process of navigating the net, his owners said he was not injured. A tranquilizer wasn't needed. Ed was then airlifted in a large sack to his family.

“I'm just glad that we caught him, and it was pretty cute seeing him in there,” Ortiz added.

Ed's owners, who had initially planned to name him "Zeke," said the zebra’s unexpected fame inspired a name change after fans on social media dubbed him “Ed.” The family has decided to keep the name, saying they’re grateful for the community’s help and support throughout the ordeal.