Runaway Circus Zebra Put Down

A 12-year-old circus zebra that caused a stir when he escaped and ran through downtown Atlanta last month has been euthanized.

A statement posted on Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey's Web site says veterinarians were unable to repair the animal's hooves, which were damaged when he sprinted through the city.

The zebra named Lima led his trainers and police on a 40-minute chase Feb. 18. Police eventually helped capture the animal on an interstate.

Spokeswoman Crystal Drake says the circus decided to euthanize the animal after weighing his prospects for a comfortable life - not his ability to perform in the future.

Ringling Bros. says it has worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to review policies and ensure no other animals flee.

Lima the Zebra was first spotted around 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 18, 2010, in downtown Atlanta. The animal made its way through downtown to the interstate highway that cuts through the center of the city. Police cruisers blocked off all southbound lanes and were able to herd the zebra over to the right shoulder and off an entrance ramp.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus was in town for the week. The circus also had a group of elephants corralled Thursday in a downtown Atlanta parking lot.