Ed-Scapades: The True Tale of a Runaway Pet Zebra Named Ed and Why Pet Insurance Matters

More than six million pets are insured in the United States. Still, many pet owners aren’t sure what their policies actually cover when it comes to veterinary care. To help with this, Florida lawmakers passed a bill that takes effect in January 2026. It requires pet insurers to clearly say whether they cover pre-existing conditions and to provide details on claim payments and benefit schedules.

Florida’s House analysis points out that there are four main pet insurance providers in the state. It notes that as pets live longer, veterinary costs are rising, which is why more pet owners are thinking about insurance to help manage expenses for preventive care, illnesses, and emergencies.  

That said, most insurance policies cover only common pets like cats and dogs and may exclude certain breeds, like bulldogs. Exotic animals like lions, tigers, bears... and zebras usually aren’t covered, even though this type of pet ownership is growing. In Florida, exotic pet owners need permits, which can cost over $140 a year and require paperwork.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (Ed's Version)

One good example is Ed, the runaway zebra. Ed made national news when he escaped from his home in Tennessee on May 30, 2025. He’d only been there a day before jumping a low fence, and disappearing for more than a week.

His owners tried several ways to catch him safely, ruling out lassoing and tranquilizers before hiring a gator crew to herd him away from a busy highway. A Texas team called Tango82 finally got him into an open field, where aerial crews captured and airlifted him to safety. The sheriff’s office said, "Ed was airlifted and flown by helicopter back to a waiting animal trailer."

Afterward, Ed’s owners rehomed him and his zebra girlfriend (who stayed put) to an animal sanctuary. They said they didn’t realize how expensive owning a zebra would be, and now believe the sanctuary is a better place for both zebras.  “We did a lot of research and made a lot of phone calls and thought we were prepared for it but knowing that even though they are legal animals to own.” 

Fortunately, Ed’s story has a happy ending. But if he had been hurt or caused damage, his owners might have faced more complicated insurance issues. 

Ed's adventures may be over, but his story lives on through memes, murals, a children's book, and even a fan page. His “tail” reminds us of the ups and downs of exotic pet ownership—and why having the right pet insurance matters. 

If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your family, it’s a good idea to learn more about the potential risks and talk with our team about a personal risk review to help make sure you’re covered.