MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A runaway pet zebra named Ed, who captured the hearts of many during his week-long escapade, has been safely captured. Authorities confirmed that Ed was apprehended on Sunday after being spotted in a pasture near a subdivision in the Christiana community of central Tennessee.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office reported that aviation crews were involved in the capture. “Ed was airlifted and flown by helicopter back to a waiting animal trailer,” the sheriff's office stated. Video footage released by the sheriff's office shows Ed wrapped in a net, with his head sticking out as he was transported by helicopter.

Ed arrived in Christiana on May 30, and his owner reported him missing the following day. The zebra was first spotted running along Interstate 24, which led deputies to temporarily shut down the roadway. However, Ed managed to escape into a nearby wooded area, evading capture for several days.

Throughout his time on the run, Ed became an internet sensation. Numerous sightings were shared on social media, with videos showing him trotting through neighborhoods. The zebra quickly became the subject of various memes, including one humorous post depicting him dining at a Waffle House, a popular southern eatery. Other memes featured Ed visiting different Tennessee cities or even panhandling on the side of the road.

The pursuit of Ed follows a similar incident just a month prior, when a runaway kangaroo caused a section of an Alabama interstate to be shut down. Ed's adventure has not only entertained locals but also sparked a wave of creativity online.