Zebra found on I-75 thrives after rehab

Evidence the zebra is about to celebrate his one-year anniversary at Noah’s Ark, the Locust Grove facility that took him in after he was found injured along I-75.

The 2- to 3-month-old zebra was found April 8 last year. Authorities believe he fell from a truck passing through Georgia, then was hit by a car. He was rushed to the veterinary school at Auburn University in Alabama, where he underwent extensive surgery to repair pelvic injuries, then a second surgery in June. Since then his health has improved dramatically, Noah’s Ark spokeswoman Diane Smith said.

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Noah's Ark

Evidence the zebra, found on an Atlanta interstate last April, has bonded with Charles Hedgecoth Sr., co-founder of Noah’s Ark.

• Photos: Evidence's first year at Noah's Ark

• Zebra injured in interstate fall, gets patched up at Auburn

• Photos: Injured zebra found on I-75

• Zebra settles into new home

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Today, the young zebra enjoys days in the habitat area of the rescue and rehabilitation center and evenings in his barn, which was donated to the facility for him, along with a horse trailer. His constant companion is a miniature horse named Grace.

“He’s been a big draw for Noah’s Ark, which is nice because it helps all our other animals, too,” Smith said.

The facility, which exists on donations, has 1,200 animals, ranging from dogs, cats and horses to lemurs, monkeys and even a lion, tiger and bear. There’s also a home for children.

Evidence was still nursing when he arrived at the shelter, and he quickly bonded with co-founder Charles “Pop” Hedgecoth Sr. No one ever stepped forward to claim him.

In honor of Evidence’s anniversary, there will be a party April 4 from noon to 3 p.m. with hourly door prizes, an Evidence book for the first 100 families at the welcome center, and refreshments. Guests are asked to dress in black and white.

“He’s sort of a rock star now,” Smith said.

The center is located at 712 LG-Griffin Road. Info: noahs-ark.org or 770-957-0888.

About 30 artists have donated work to raise money for spaying and neutering dogs in Kirkwood, Oakhurst and nearby Atlanta neighborhoods. The show opening is April 4, 7-9 p.m. at Gathering Grounds coffee shop, 1994 Hosea Williams Drive, Atlanta. Some artwork will sell that night, but other pieces will be available for bids through April 28 at the coffeehouse. The group, the Atlanta Animal Welfare Committee, hopes to raise enough to fix 50 animals.

Hundreds of cats will be at a show sponsored by the Hotlanta Cool Cats club and the Fayette County Humane Society, at the Atlanta State Farmers Market, 16 Forest Parkway, Forest Park. April 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., April 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 adults; $4 students, seniors and military; children under 5 free. Info: Hotlantacoolcats.org.