In the bustling metro area of Atlanta, the roadways often play host to bizarre occurrences that bewilder commuters. From planes landing on highways to trucks spilling their unusual contents, the city’s dense road network has its fair share of unexpected events.
One recent viral tale involves a zebra named Ed, who made headlines for his weeklong escapade in Tennessee. However, this incident brings to mind a parallel story from Atlanta about a zebra named Lima who ran wild on the Downtown Connector (I-75/85).
On February 18, 2010, the 12-year-old zebra Lima was outside State Farm Arena, where the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus was scheduled to perform. Amidst the preparations, the zebra became startled and bolted.
After bending a weak spot in the fence, Lima made a daring escape, leading police and various onlookers on a chaotic 40-minute chase.
At a certain point, law enforcement managed to corner the frightened zebra in a parking lot, but Lima evaded capture yet again and sprinted across the busy I-75/85, becoming one of the fastest things on the highway.
As a former member of the WSB Traffic Center, I distinctly recall the events unfolding that day. Alongside the late Captain Herb Emory, we monitored aerial footage from the WSB Skycopter, providing live commentary on Lima’s antics as if we were narrating a police pursuit, detailing not just the zebra’s whereabouts but also the roadblocks erected by the Atlanta Police Department, GDOT, and GSP.
The zebra’s erratic journey created a significant traffic jam on the already congested I-75/85 corridor. Ultimately, Lima exited the highway onto Williams Street, where authorities finally managed to corral the zebra. It’s noteworthy that Lima didn’t bother using turn signals during this chaotic escapade.
Reflecting on this chaos brings to light the ripple effects of seemingly minor incidents. The unexpected actions of Lima the zebra had profound implications, highlighting how one misstep can disrupt an entire city.
The circus operators had to take immediate action the next day to reinforce their fencing. Had they ensured that the enclosure was secure, Lima would never have embarked on her adventure, and countless drivers would have continued their commutes without delay.
Ambulances and crucial deliveries may have been delayed due to this incident, and there’s a possibility that someone was late for an important meeting or personal engagement as a result.
In the case of Ed, the zebra whose real name is Zeke, his unexpected journey unfolded just one day after his new owners had brought him home. His weeklong adventure caused substantial disruption and also prompted police to block lanes during chases, leaving residents shocked and concerned. Clearly, Zeke’s owners should have implemented suitable safety protocols for their exotic animal.
While accidents certainly occur, it’s crucial to recognize that naming an incident as an ‘accident’ implies a lack of accountability.
The terminology suggests that a mishap happened beyond anyone’s control, blaming the universe instead of acknowledging human error. An incident may not entail malice, but it doesn’t mean the consequences were unavoidable.
Unlike Ed, who emerged relatively unscathed from his ordeal, Lima’s story took a tragic turn. The toll of running on pavement severely damaged Lima’s hooves. After several weeks of treatment at UGA’s veterinary school, the unfortunate conclusion was reached that Lima would endure a low quality of life due to her injuries, ultimately leading to her euthanasia.
These bizarre occurrences on Atlanta’s roads can often be traced back to human error—everyday items like beer cans, furniture, and even livestock don’t simply appear on highways.
Negligence, whether through loose straps or distractions, often leads to debris on the road, creating hazardous situations where accidents can happen, causing harm to people and frustrating drivers.
Moreover, it’s important to acknowledge the serious implications of incidents such as Lima and Zeke’s escapes. A helicopter rescued Zeke from his own plight, raising questions about the costs associated with such rescue missions.
These tales remind us of the paramount importance of securing our loads and ensuring the safety of our pets.
We should never take the roads for granted, as conditions can change dramatically in an instant. Vigilance and focus can be the key to ensuring the safety of ourselves and others—be they fellow drivers or loose animals sharing the roads.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/06/gridlock-guy-atlantas-loose-zebra-had-a-worse-ending-than-ed-did-in-tennessee-clone/
