A zebra that made a break for freedom while being transported to a petting zoo in the western United States was on the run Friday.
The striped African mammal — named Z — was one of four that bolted from a trailer on the side of a highway in Washington state on Sunday.
Owner Kristine Keltgen was taking the recently acquired creatures to Montana when she pulled over to fix a flapping floor mat.
The moment she opened the trailer, the four zebras, all females, took off.
“The first thing I thought was, ‘Keep them away from the (road),'” Keltgen said, according to US media. “Then my next thought was, ‘I need help.'”
That help arrived in the form of a passing rodeo bullfighter and a couple of horse trainers.
But the rescue squad was only able to recapture three of the animals, and Z ran off, jumping over a fence and into some woods near North Bend.
Local animal control officers say the zebra has been seen by members of the public, and trail cameras have captured images of it looking healthy.
“Numerous credible sightings of the zebra have been reported to RASKC (Regional Animal Services of King County) and law enforcement, including one on Thursday morning, but so far the zebra has eluded capture,” they said.
They asked for anyone who spots her to call and let them know.
“Residents are asked not to approach the zebra or try to capture it themselves.”
On Friday King County Parks announced they would be shutting access points along Snoqualmie Valley Trail near Boxley Creek while animal control officers carry on the hunt.
“That seems to be an area the zebra is frequenting,” RASKC wrote on social media.
