Authorities are still on the lookout for a zebra that escaped from a trailer east of Seattle last weekend. This zebra, named “Z”, was one of four that got loose as they were being transported from Washington to Montana. Despite three of the zebras being quickly captured, “Z” has proved to be more elusive. The zebra has been sighted multiple times, with the most recent sighting occurring on Thursday. In an effort to capture the animal, trail access points along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail have been closed off in the hopes of keeping people away and making it easier to recapture “Z”.
The owner of the escaped zebras, Kristine Keltgen, shared that she had purchased the zebras in Washington and was transporting them to a petting zoo she runs near Anaconda, Montana. The zebras escaped when Keltgen noticed one of the trailer’s floor mats was flapping and opened the door to adjust it. Upon running out, the zebras surprised residents and drivers as they galloped into a rural neighborhood. Several people, including a rodeo clown and horse trainers, stopped to help corral the animals. Keltgen is currently focused on finding “Z” and has declined further interviews until the zebra is located.
Authorities and animal services officials are working diligently to capture the zebra, as it has been spotted grazing and has appeared on residents’ trail cameras. There are also reports of cougars in the area, raising concerns about the zebra’s safety. King County Council Member Sarah Perry has urged people to keep their distance from the zebra, as well-meaning visitors may inadvertently make capturing the animal more difficult. Perry emphasized the importance of giving the officials on the scene the space they need to successfully rescue “Z” and return her to safety.
Social media has been abuzz with memes featuring the escaped zebra, placing the animal in various comical scenarios around Seattle. Despite the lighter tone of the memes, the situation is serious, as the zebra’s wellbeing is a top priority for officials. By closing off access to the trail where the zebra has been frequenting, authorities are hoping to reduce the chances of the animal being spooked and fleeing further. The collaborative efforts of animal services, local authorities, and concerned residents are key to ensuring the safe capture and return of “Z” to her owner.
As the search for the escaped zebra “Z” continues, residents are advised to remain cautious and avoid approaching the animal if spotted. With the closure of trail access points and ongoing surveillance in the area, authorities are optimistic about the prospects of successfully capturing the zebra. The community’s support in giving the necessary space and cooperation to the rescue efforts is crucial in achieving the goal of safely bringing “Z” back home. While the situation has garnered attention on social media, the focus remains on the diligent work of officials to ensure the zebra’s wellbeing and secure her capture in due time.
