A zebra named Shug was recaptured Friday evening in Riverbend, Washington, nearly a week after she escaped with three other zebras from a trailer near Seattle. The Regional Animal Services of King County wrote on its website that Shug seemed to be in good condition despite her week-long adventure in the woods. The zebras escaped as they were being transported from Washington to Montana, with Shug being the last one to be captured after three others were corralled in a nearby pasture.
The search for Shug sparked public attention and social media memes, with sightings of the zebra reported in various locations. Concerns were raised when trail cameras captured the zebra in the area where cougars were also spotted. To aid in the rescue efforts, King County officials closed off trail access points along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail in the Boxley Creek Natural Area, where Shug was frequenting. Feeding zones were set up to help coax the zebra out for a successful recapture.
Owner Kristine Keltgen had purchased the zebras in Lewis County, Washington, and was transporting them to a petting zoo near Anaconda, Montana. The escape occurred when Keltgen noticed a floor mat flapping from the trailer and opened the door to adjust it, causing the zebras to run out. Despite the efforts of several individuals, including a rodeo clown and horse trainers, Shug managed to elude capture until she was finally corralled in Riverbend.
Shug’s adventure through the foothills of western Washington had captured the imagination of local residents and social media users, with sightings and memes circulating widely. The fourth zebra’s escapade drew attention to the efforts of animal control officers and volunteers who worked to ensure the safe recapture of the animal. The incident highlighted the challenges and risks associated with transporting exotic animals across long distances.
Local officials urged members of the public to avoid spooking the zebra in order to facilitate her safe return. The closure of trail access points and the establishment of feeding zones were part of the strategy to coax Shug out of hiding and back to safety. The successful recapture of the zebra marked the end of a week-long search and brought relief to those involved in the rescue efforts and to the community at large.
The zebra’s capture in Riverbend, Washington, marked the conclusion of a saga that had unfolded in the Cascade mountain foothills near Seattle. Shug’s safe return served as a reminder of the importance of animal welfare and responsible ownership of exotic species. The incident highlighted the resilience of the zebra and the dedication of those who worked tirelessly to ensure her well-being.
