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Escaped Zebras In New Braunfels Die After Returning To Their Owner

New Braunfels police officers in pursuit of a zebra that later died.
New Braunfels Police Department
New Braunfels police officers in pursuit of a zebra that later died..

Two zebras that escaped in New Braunfels on Wednesday afternoon died after their capture and return.

The animals were just sold to new owners, and escaped that same day. New Braunfels Police spokesman David Ferguson said the zebras left the private property on State Highway 46 South and swam across the Guadalupe River.

One zebra stayed close to the area, where it was eventually captured and returned.

Ferguson said the other zebra ran farther through the city. Police and animal control officers followed to protect the animal and the public. No civilians were injured according to police. That zebra was captured near Loop 337 and West San Antonio Street with help from a helicopter manned by the zebras’ original owner. 

“Eventually, the zebra was successfully sedated. The animal was then harnessed, briefly airlifted over to a truck and trailer and then returned to its rightful owner,” Ferguson said.

Both zebras died and there is no official word on their cause of death. No charges have been filed.

Brian Kirkpatrick can be reached at Brian@TPR.org and on Twitter at @TPRBrian.