A zebra that had been on the loose in western Washington for nearly a week has been recaptured after an adventurous escape from a trailer near Seattle. The zebra named “Shug” was corralled by local residents and animal control officers in the community of Riverbend, about 30 miles east of Seattle. Despite her week-long adventure in the woods, Shug was found to be in good condition. Shug was one of four zebras that escaped while being transported from Washington to Montana. The driver had stopped to secure the trailer when the animals got loose, surprising residents and drivers as they galloped into a rural neighborhood.
While three of the escaped zebras were quickly captured, Shug managed to evade capture by hopping a fence and disappearing. Shug’s escape captured public attention, with social media memes imagining the zebra in various scenarios around Seattle. However, more credible sightings of Shug were reported, with some area residents spotting her on trail cameras. Concerns arose due to recent cougar sightings in the area, leading officials to close off trail access points along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail in the Boxley Creek Natural Area where Shug was frequenting.
Efforts were made to coax Shug out for a rescue by setting up feeding zones in the area. Owner Kristine Keltgen, who was transporting the zebras to her petting zoo in Montana, recounted how the zebras escaped when she stopped to adjust a flapping floor mat in the trailer. Despite several attempts by bystanders, including a rodeo clown and horse trainers, Shug managed to evade capture. Regional Animal Services of King County announced that Shug will now be transported to Montana to join the rest of the dazzle, or group, of zebras, closing the chapter on her adventure in the Washington foothills.
The escape of the zebras highlighted the unique situation that unfolded in the Cascade mountain foothills east of Seattle. The unexpected sighting of a zebra roaming through the woods sparked public interest and concern for the animal’s well-being. The collaborative efforts of local residents, animal control officers, and officials led to the successful recapture of Shug after nearly a week on the run. The incident served as a reminder of the unexpected events that can occur in the wild and the importance of community involvement in ensuring the safety of both humans and animals in such situations.
The captivating story of Shug’s escape and subsequent recapture drew attention to the transportation and safety protocols involved in moving exotic animals. The incident also shed light on the challenges faced by owners of such animals, highlighting the importance of proper containment and handling procedures. As Shug prepares to reunite with her fellow zebras in Montana, the community can reflect on the unique experience of encountering a zebra on the loose in the Washington wilderness and the successful efforts made to ensure her safe return.
