Runaway Zebra “Ed” Airlifted
In a story that feels more like a scene from a movie than a slice of Southern life, a zebra named Ed became an unexpected local celebrity last week when he escaped from a private farm and spent several days exploring the Tennessee countryside. His unusual journey, which included darting through fields, meandering along roadsides, and evading multiple capture attempts, finally came to a dramatic — and airborne — conclusion when he was airlifted to safety by wildlife authorities.
The Great Escape
Ed, a four-year-old male zebra, lives on a privately owned exotic animal farm just outside of Mount Juliet, in Wilson County. His owners, Mark and Cindy Caldwell, have kept zebras for years and consider them part of their extended family. Ed, in particular, is known for his strong-willed personality — but even they didn’t expect him to make a run for it.
“We still aren’t exactly sure how he got out,” Mark said in an interview with NBC News anchor Tom Llamas. “We think he might have kicked through a weak section of fencing or nudged open a gate. He’s smart and surprisingly strong.”
Ed’s escape happened on a Tuesday morning. When farm workers went out to do their routine morning check, he was gone — leaving only a trail of hoofprints in the dewy grass and a series of muddy prints across a gravel path that led toward open land.
Zebra on the Loose
As word of the zebra’s disappearance spread, local authorities and neighbors joined the effort to locate him. Over the next several days, Ed was spotted in various parts of the region — sprinting through pastures, grazing near a highway, and even making a brief appearance in a school playground, causing momentary chaos before trotting off into a wooded area.
“It was surreal,” said Carrie Lawson, a local resident who spotted Ed in her backyard. “I looked out my window and there was a zebra, just standing there eating grass. I thought I was dreaming.”
Law enforcement advised residents not to approach Ed and to report sightings instead, noting that while zebras are not typically aggressive, they can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous if spooked.
Social Media Fame
As sightings increased, so did Ed’s popularity online. Photos and videos of the runaway zebra began circulating widely, with hashtags like #FindEd and #ZebraWatch2025 trending locally. Some residents created memes and mock “Wanted” posters. A local bakery even named a striped cupcake in his honor.
Despite the lighthearted public response, the Caldwells were increasingly worried about Ed’s safety.
“There are so many things that could have gone wrong,” said Cindy. “Cars, fences, predators — he’s not used to fending for himself, and we were losing sleep thinking about where he might be.”
Operation Zebra Lift
On the fifth day of Ed’s adventure, a wildlife rescue team equipped with drones and tranquilizer darts finally located him resting in a shaded ravine near the edge of a heavily wooded area about eight miles from the farm. The site was too remote and steep for a truck or trailer to reach, prompting an unusual rescue plan: airlifting the zebra out by helicopter.
Veterinarians on the scene administered a mild sedative to keep Ed calm, and a custom harness was used to lift his 700-pound body into the air. Witnesses described the surreal moment as “majestic” and “like something out of a National Geographic documentary.”
“He was calm throughout,” said Dr. Lillian Mayes, the lead veterinarian on the scene. “We made sure the sedation was minimal — just enough to keep him relaxed. He handled it better than some horses we’ve worked with.”
Safe and Sound
Ed was flown to a nearby open field where a livestock trailer was waiting. He was examined by veterinarians and given water and food before being transported back to the Caldwells’ farm. Remarkably, he suffered no major injuries — just minor scrapes and mild dehydration.
“He’s tired, but otherwise in great condition,” Dr. Mayes confirmed. “He’s a tough little guy.”
Back at the farm, Ed received a hero’s welcome — and a few extra apples.
“We’re just so grateful to everyone who helped bring him back,” said Cindy. “This could have ended very differently. We’re reinforcing every part of the fence and doubling our checks from now on.”
A Community Comes Together
The episode has left a lasting mark on the local community. For a few days, Ed’s journey brought people together — from farmers and sheriff’s deputies to drone pilots and curious children — all united by a desire to see a striped wanderer make it home safely.
“Sometimes it takes something totally unexpected to remind us how connected we really are,” said Tom Llamas after his interview with the Caldwells. “In a world full of difficult news, Ed gave everyone a reason to smile — and that’s not nothing.”
