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08/02/2025

Why Humans are Fascinated by Zoo Animal Escapes

As a species, we're enthralled when others gain freedom

For a few brief moments on June 8, Ed the zebra dangled from a helicopter in the Tennessee skies, ending eight glorious days of freedom with a heckuva view.

Ed's viral odyssey inspired street art, a children’s book, cake decorations, country songs and some excellent tattoos, plus a few questions here at the Department of Data, where we have long been captivated by stories of animal escapes.

We wondered, why are some fugitives so successful? What are their secrets to thriving on the wild side? And, importantly, can we turn this into a column? (A big yes to that last one.)

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Washington Post.

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