Washington State Police hunting for fugitive zebra after four escape

Police in Washington State have been chasing unusual fugitives since Sunday (29April2024) after four zebras escaped from a trailer.

According to Washington State Patrol Trooper Rick Johnson, three of the four zebras, distinctive with their black-and-white stripes, were swiftly captured.

However, the fourth zebra was still unaccounted for as of Tuesday night. "This is a first for me and all @wastatepatrol troopers involved," he wrote on Twitter/X. "4 Zebras that were being transported got loose when the driver stopped to secure the trailer EB 90 to exit 32. The community has come together to help. One cornered, 3 outstanding. Crazy!!"

The incident unfolded as the zebras were being transported from Washington to a petting zoo in Montana. Upon reaching the Interstate 90 exit for North Bend, approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of Seattle, the driver halted to secure the trailer.

It was at this moment that the zebras made their break for freedom. Locals have been helping police in the hunt for the final zebra - with North Benders being told to be on the lookout for the stripy beast. Eyewitness Dan Barnett, speaking to KING-TV of Seattle, described his disbelief at seeing the zebras grazing on grass beside the offramp.

Concerned drivers rallied to protect the animals from the nearby busy interstate, forming a makeshift barrier to prevent them from straying onto the highway.

The zebras then made their way into town, even trotting past a restaurant near the interstate exit. Two were successfully captured with the assistance of rodeo professionals. The third zebra, identified as the youngest member of the herd, was corralled later on. As of Thursday morning the fourth was still at large.