Photo: Getty Images
Brantley Gilbert is not the owner of the runaway pet zebra that managed to dodge searchers for more than a week before his capture on Sunday (June 8).
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office posted a video on Facebook on Sunday and confirmed that âCelebrity Zebra Ed (was) rescued safely.â Ed arrived in Christiana, Tennessee, an unincorporated community in Rutherford County, outside of Nashville, on May 30. Zebra Edâs owner reported him missing the following day, and heâs since become âan international sensation,â according to the sheriffâs office. âDrivers on Interstate 24 watched him scampering across the highways in both the eastbound and westbound lanes Saturday. He escaped into a wooded area and disappeared until being spotted Thursday.
Aviation crews located Zebra Ed, who âwas airlifted and flown by helicopter back to a waiting animal trailer,â the Rutherford County Sheriffâs Office confirmed.
Gilbert shared a video of Zebra Edâs viral rescue that appeared on News Channel 5, Nashvilleâs CBS affiliate. He said in a message to his social media followers after that news clip: âWhatâs up, everybody? Itâs Brantley Gilbert here. Folks in Nashville, thank yâall so much for all the concern, and all the thoughts and prayers, but no need to be concerned anymore. The zebra is home safe and sound. You guys are awesome. No need to worry. Zebraâs good.â
âAppreciate the concern about my zebra⌠No need to worry, heâs home safe⌠But glad Ed the Zebra has found his way home! đŚ,â Gilbert added in his caption on Instagram.
Earlier this year, the âCountry Must Be Country Wideâ artist shared a video of the moment he received two new animals, a donkey and a zebra. It was an unusual form of ârevengeâ from a friend, who said it was ârevenge for some peacocks.â Gilbert said in that clip, âIâm staring at a donkey and a zebra, bro. âŚHey Aaron, what the hell am I gonna do with a donkey and a zebra?â
Watch Gilbertâs reaction to Zebra Edâs rescue here: