Shug, the daring zebra who embarked on an unexpected escapade through the lush landscapes of western Washington, has finally been reunited with safety after a week-long odyssey. Last Sunday, Shug and three companions broke free from their trailer during a routine journey from Washington to Montana, sending ripples of surprise through the tranquil communities near Seattle.
After days of roaming the countryside, Shug was spotted and corralled by vigilant locals and dedicated animal control officers in the Riverbend community, approximately 30 miles east of Seattle. Despite her wild adventure, Shug appeared to be in good spirits and health, a testament to her resilience and adaptability.
Initially, three of the escaped zebras were swiftly captured and secured in a nearby pasture. However, Shug’s spirited nature led her to leap over a fence and vanish into the wilderness, sparking a flurry of sightings and speculation across social media and local news outlets.
As Shug’s whereabouts became the talk of the town, concerns arose about her safety amidst potential encounters with local wildlife, including cougars spotted in the area. To aid in her rescue, trail access points were closed off, and feeding zones were established to entice Shug out of hiding.
The ordeal began when owner Kristine Keltgen, en route from Lewis County, Washington, to her petting zoo in Montana, encountered an unforeseen mishap with the trailer. Despite the efforts of kind-hearted bystanders, including a rodeo clown and skilled horse trainers, Shug managed to evade capture until her eventual retrieval.
Now, Shug will soon embark on the journey to join her zebra companions in Montana, where she’ll resume her place among the dazzle—a fitting conclusion to her captivating adventure in the wilds of western Washington.