Zebra that ran through downtown Atlanta is euthanized

By Kristi E. Swartz

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Lima, a 12-year-old circus zebra that ran through downtown Atlanta last month, has been euthanized, according to a statement on Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey's Web site.

"It was very much a quality of life issue," circus spokeswoman Crystal Drake told the AJC Thursday evening. "They could measure the quality of life ... and it wouldn't have been humane to keep it alive."

The animal's hooves were damaged when he ran through downtown Atlanta and eventually ended up on the Downtown Connector. The statement says veterinarians were unable to repair the animal's hooves.

"Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and its veterinary staff, along with the veterinary team at The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, are disheartened to announce that Lima ... has been euthanized," the statement said.

The zebra broke loose from a training-and-exercise area and ran through downtown Atlanta in the middle of rush-hour traffic.

Lima was exercising to prepare for a performance at Philips Arena when "something spooked him," Drake said at the time. The zebra broke away from his trainers and bumped up against a fence before wiggling through an opening and running off, she said.

His hooves were bloody from running along the pavement. Drake said that several vets examined Lima, and then he was taken to UGA for a full, comprehensive exam.

According to Ringling, circus vets as well as UGA vets "tried numerous medical treatments to repair damage to the zebra’s hooves. Sadly, the treatments were not successful."

The day after Lima escaped, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals asked for a federal investigation into the animal's handling.

PETA asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to "ensure that the zebra who ran loose in Atlanta ... is receiving adequate veterinary care for the cuts he sustained on his hooves and for any other injuries and that the safety of the animals and the public is protected."

Drake told the AJC that the circus is "in full compliance," and that it welcomed any investigation that the USDA may want to do.

"The circumstances surrounding the incident in Atlanta were immediately reviewed and within 24 hours United States Department of Agriculture officials were onsite. Corrections to procedures were promptly implemented by Ringling Bros. In addition, management has evaluated and will continue to review Company policies and procedures to ensure that its animals remain safe and secure," according to Ringling's statement on its Web site.

The main issue was the strength of the fence, Drake told the AJC Thursday night.

"We immediately corrected that on site at Phillips and have made improvements to further fortify the fencing structures of our animal enclosures," she said.

The show, which traveled to Raleigh, Youngstown, Ohio and Cincinnati, has had no other issues with its animal enclosures, Drake told the AJC.