The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, which had been searching for the animal for nearly a week, said that it was found on Sunday and returned to its owner.

The escapee, coined 'Zebra Ed' on social media, was found in a pasture near the Buchanan Estates in Christiana, Tennessee, and was airlifted away by helicopter.

A runaway Zebra nicknamed "Ed" on social media caused a May 31 traffic jam on Interstate 24, a Rutherford County Sheriff's spokeswoman confirmed.

By Nick Beres Click here for updates on this story CHRISTIANA, Tennessee (WTVF) — It’s a story that captivated the nation; Ed the Zebra was caught Sunday, one week after he escaped in Rutherford County.

Deputies tracking zebra through Rutherford County

“Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is happy to report Tango 82 aviation crews located Zebra Ed and returned him to his owner Sunday,” authorities said in a statement posted to Facebook Sunday. Accompanying the statement was a video of Ed spinning around as he was carried by helicopter to a waiting trainer.

Helicopter video shows the dramatic rescue of a missing pet zebra that was found safe in Tennessee pasture after an eight-day search.

Ground crews stayed in place while Tango 82 Aviation teams from Fredericksburg, Texas, took to the skies to help locate and recover Ed.