News Summary
Nashville is abuzz with the tale of Ed the Zebra, who escaped a farm in Murfreesboro and caused a community sensation over his week-long adventure. A mural celebrating Ed’s escape has been painted in Nashville, showcasing the joy and excitement his story brought to the local community. After a challenging recapture effort with the help of community members and law enforcement, Ed is now unharmed and has a new companion. This whimsical escape story has sparked a surge of interest on social media and has even inspired a new book chronicling Ed’s adventures.
Nashville has recently become the backdrop for a whimsical twist in the animal escape saga, as Ed the Zebra has captivated the nation following a week-long odyssey. After his daring escape from a farm in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on May 30, the zebra was finally recaptured over a week later. In celebration of his escapade, a mural dedicated to Ed has been painted on a wall at 8th and Edgehill Avenue in Nashville.
The mural, created by a Los Angeles artist known as “Bandit,” diverges from the artist’s usual politically themed work. This time, “Bandit” opted for a lighthearted portrayal, which includes imagery of children, symbolizing the joy and excitement that Ed’s wild chase brought to the local community. While the mural was painted without prior consent from the property owner, Graybar Electric Co., the company has since expressed no objections to its presence.
Ed’s thrilling adventure started when his owners, Taylor and Laura Ford, reported him missing the day after he escaped their property. Neighbors were the first to alert the Fords to the sight of the zebra roaming freely. Attempts to recapture Ed involved extensive community efforts, which included the guidance of local cowboys and ultimately led to the hiring of a specialized team from Texas.
The capture operation was a complex endeavor, relying on a combination of a drone and helicopter to safely airlift Ed, who was ensnared in a net, into an animal trailer. Following his capture, Ed was found to be unharmed and relocated to a secure location. In a move to provide a companion for Ed, a female zebra was added to his new home. However, the Fords have decided they will no longer keep zebras moving forward, reflecting on the challenges posed by this unusual incident.
The story of Ed’s bid for freedom and subsequent capture quickly went viral on social media, leading to an outpouring of memes and a heightened public interest in his saga. This surge in social media activity not only sparked laughter but also drew comparisons to a recent similar incident involving a runaway kangaroo in Alabama, further demonstrating society’s fascination with animal escapades.
In addition to the mural, Ed’s story has inspired the release of a book titled “Ed the Zebra’s Wild Vacation,” authored by Stevie Michelle Kimbrough. The book chronicles Ed’s adventures following his escape and is available on Amazon for those eager to learn more about this notable zebra’s escapade.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office played a significant role in this event, providing regular updates throughout Ed’s adventure, including confirmation of his safe capture and return. What began as a simple animal escape evolved into an event that brought the Nashville community together, showcasing a blend of concern, humor, and admiration for a zebra named Ed.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ed the Zebra’s Wild Adventure Ends in Tennessee
Search Intensifies for Missing Zebra Ed in Murfreesboro
Nashville Zoo Introduces Hamish the Highland Calf
Additional Resources
- WKRN: Ed the Zebra Mural in Nashville
- WSMV: Local Author Writes Kids Book About Ed the Zebra’s Escape
- NewsChannel5: Ed the Zebra’s Owners Talk About Their Now Famous Animal
- CNN: Runaway Pet Zebra in Tennessee
- USA Today: Runaway Zebra Caught in Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Zebra
- Google Search: Zebra Escape
- Google Scholar: Zebra Behavior
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zebra
- Google News: Runaway Animals
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
