The search for an escaped zebra has occupied social networks in the United States for about a week.

 

Social media users in the United States have been gripped by the case of a zebra that is still being searched for in the western United States after it escaped last Sunday while being transported to a petting zoo.

The zebra, named "Ze," was one of four mammals that escaped from a trailer on the side of an interstate in Washington state on Sunday.

Owner Christine Kiltgen was taking the animals to Montana when she pulled over to fix a carpet.

The moment the trailer opened, the four zebras, all females, escaped.

American media quoted Keltgen as saying, "My first thought was to get the animals off the road. Then it dawned on me that I needed help."

Keltgen received help from a bullfighter and a horse trainer.

But Noah was only able to retrieve three animals, while "Z" escaped and jumped the fence and headed into some woods near North Bend.

Local animal control officials said a number of residents had seen the zebra, and surveillance cameras captured images of what appeared to be a healthy animal.

They asked anyone who saw it to contact them.

"Residents are asked not to approach the zebra or attempt to capture it," they said.

On Friday, a hiking trail in the area was closed because it was an "area frequented by zebras," officials said on social media: