A zebra that ran away from the circus was shot dead in Germany after causing traffic accidents on a major highway, police say.

The tragic beast was actually one of two to escape the circus in Rostock early Wednesday, with its mate soon captured safely, police said in a release.

After several hours missing, the other zebra was finally found at 8 a.m. on a highway, where it quickly created chaos, sparking at least one crash when a car rammed into another that quickly braked.

The highway had to be closed down and police say the rampaging animal caused more damage while avoiding “a large police deployment.” At least one officer was hurt in the operation.

After the circus trainer failed to subdue it, authorities finally shot it, killing it instantly, the release said.

Officials said the full circumstances are still under investigation.