Zebra captured after week on the run in Washington state

PORTLAND Ore. (KOIN) — The last of four zebras who escaped from a trailer on a Washington highway was captured by officials Friday evening after being on the run for almost a week.

Washington State Patrol officers began working to corral the four zebras on April 28 when they were seen roaming the highway.

Four zebras escaped onto the highway near North Bend, Washington on Apr. 28, 2024. (Courtesy: Washington State Patrol)
Four zebras escaped onto the highway near North Bend, Washington on Apr. 28, 2024. (Courtesy: Washington State Patrol)

Authorities say the driver who was transporting the zebras to Montana stopped to secure the trailer when they escaped on I-90 eastbound near exit 32 close to North Bend.

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WSP said the community came together to help contain the loose animals and three out of the four were successfully wrangled within a few hours. The trio then continued their journey east back to Montana the following day.

According to Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), the fourth zebra, now known as “Sugar” or “Shug,” wandered around the Cascade foothills for most of the week.

But Friday evening, RASKC animal control officers and community members managed to recapture Shug just southeast North Bend and reportedly found her in good condition.

“It was a privilege to be part of the successful rescue of this now-famous zebra,” said RASKC Animal Control Sgt. Samantha Moore. “Seeing her safely loaded into a trailer and on her way home is the best outcome we could have hoped for, and exactly what I wanted to see as an animal control officer.”

The owner of the zebras is now working with officials in Washington state to house Shug until she can be taken back safely to Montana.

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