[Three zebras (not pictured) had initially escaped the Maryland farm in August. (Photo by= Getty Images)]

Two zebras have been returned to a farm in the US state of Maryland after months on the run. BBC said that in August, three initially escaped from their private enclosure, turning heads across the state, with residents sharing sightings on social media.

One of the zebras was later found dead in an illegal snare trap. Officials told local media on Tuesday that the remaining pair were found and returned last week, but no further details were provided. Previous attempts to catch the zebras included setting up a feeding station and corral. The owner, 76-year-old Jerry Lee Holly, holds a license for the animals at his 300-acre property in Upper Marlboro, which he runs as an exotic animal breeding business. In October, US authorities charged Mr. Holly with three counts of animal cruelty and a local media report. Mr. Holly has not publicly responded to the charges.

According to an investigation by public broadcaster WAMU, published in 2019, Mr. Holly has owned various animals at his business, including primates, giraffes, and bears. He has previously been cited for over 100 violations of animal welfare laws, including failure to maintain adequate fencing around his zebra enclosure. Mr. Holly didn't response to requests for comment by WAMU.