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.

Ed the zebra is home safe after a dramatic and highly publicized adventure through Middle Tennessee that captivated drivers and residents for more than a week.

“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.