The story of an escaped zebra near North Bend, Washington has taken social media by storm this week. The zebra, one of four that got out of a trailer headed to Montana, has been spotted in various locations around the area. Internet posts using generative AI or Photoshop have depicted the zebra in various scenarios, such as grabbing a burger, riding a ferry, or standing on a bridge.
The zebra memes have become so popular that a Seattle television station’s social team has had to ask people to stop sharing standalone zebra content on their photography page. The page, which features weather-related photos from the Pacific Northwest, was receiving an overwhelming amount of zebra-related memes, taking away from the usual sunsets and mountain photos that are typically submitted.
Despite concerns about deep fakes, misinformation, and the manipulation of AI, the zebra memes circulating on social media seem harmless. This week has shown that many state agencies and sports teams have a sense of humor, as evidenced by their participation in creating and sharing zebra-related content.
The KOMO News #SoNorthwest Photography page has asked its 46,000 members to only post zebra memes and edited zebra photos as comments on a specific thread, in an effort to keep the page focused on its original purpose of featuring weather-related photographs. The digital team at KOMO News has expressed their appreciation for the enthusiasm surrounding the zebra story, but want to ensure that the page remains dedicated to showcasing regional photography.
The escaped zebra story has captured the attention of people on social media, with many creating and sharing memes and edited images of the zebra in various situations. The zebra’s escapades have sparked creativity and humor, with internet users imagining the animal in different scenarios around the Pacific Northwest.
The ongoing saga of the escaped zebra has highlighted the lighthearted and humorous side of social media, with many individuals, state agencies, and sports teams joining in on the fun. Despite concerns about the spread of misinformation and deep fakes, the zebra memes circulating online have been a source of entertainment and joy for many during a time when lighthearted distractions are welcomed.
