Three zebras have led police and zookeepers on a trotting-speed chase in Brussels, as documented by Belgian media and a collection of videos and photographs posted online.
The animals, which have now been caught, were chased through the city by up to five police cars after they escaped from a local zebra ranch.
It is thought that they used the Van Praet tunnel to walk to the centre of Brussels, where they enjoyed a casual stroll along the canal. Images also showed the animals – known collectively as a herd, cohort, zeal or dazzle – trotting behind moving cars.
According to Twitter users, radio stations called on drivers to “be careful, there are three zebras walking around in Brussels”.
Police said no one was injured by the animals, though many surprised spectators have discovered a whole new meaning to the term “zebra crossing”.
Unsurprisingly, #zebragate went viral this afternoon, with tweeters and wags weaving images of them into various internet memes and images.
#Zebragate 3 zebras downtown #Brussels (Van Praettunnel) = sign of a #Grexit ? @williambanzai7 pic.twitter.com/eGbcNOZ0VO
— Jail the banksters (@VDucrotois) April 17, 2015
There are 3 zebras running around in Brussels. Welcome to Belgium.
— Sien (@theseguysthough) April 17, 2015
Rootcause #zebragate #brussel pic.twitter.com/lWEnF5OrQQ
— Nuts! (@CNeuts) April 17, 2015
Madagascar 4: now playing live in the streets of Vilvoorde #zebra #zebragate pic.twitter.com/0S141M9JAv
— Charlotte Vandevelde (@vantveldje) April 17, 2015
#BREAKING Politie overrijdt 1 van de 3 zebra's. + #Planckendael heeft weer voeder voor de roofdieren. #zebragate pic.twitter.com/sYCOKpay5y
— Aïda Pida (@AidaDeMol) April 17, 2015
weet je wat ik zie als ik heel erg dronken ben? #zebragate #Brussel pic.twitter.com/JYqmUQ4S2k
— Sofie Gabriël (@SofieGabriel) April 17, 2015
