After a daring escape from a trailer near Seattle, a zebra named “Shug” has finally been recaptured in the community of Riverbend, approximately 30 miles east of Seattle. Shug was one of four zebras that made a break for freedom while being transported from Washington to Montana.
The other three zebras were quickly apprehended in a nearby pasture, but Shug managed to evade capture, sparking a week-long adventure that captured the attention of the public. The elusive zebra was sighted in various locations, with social media users creating memes placing Shug in unexpected scenarios, from riding a ferry across Puget Sound to running the bases at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners.
Some concerns arose when trail cameras in the area also captured images of cougars, raising fears for Shug’s safety. In an effort to safely capture the zebra, King County officials closed off trail access points along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail in the Boxley Creek Natural Area, where Shug was frequently spotted.
The presence of onlookers was believed to spook the zebra, making it more challenging to bring her back to safety. Feeding zones were set up to entice Shug out of hiding and facilitate her rescue. With the successful capture of Shug, she will now be transported to Montana to rejoin the rest of the dazzle, or group, of zebras. The Regional Animal Services of King County expressed relief and gratitude for the community’s involvement in the recapture operation.
The black and white striped patterns on zebras are unique because no two zebras have the exact same pattern. Each zebra has its own distinct set of stripes, much like human fingerprints. These patterns are believed to be a form of camouflage and provide several benefits to zebras, such as confusing predators, regulating body temperature, and promoting social bonding within their herds.
