A 10-foot-tall giraffe named Gracie, who went missing two weeks ago after straying from her enclosure at Cedar Hollow Ranch in Texas, has been found following an extensive search involving helicopters. The owner, Vic Jones, had offered a $5,000 reward for her safe return.
Real County Sheriff Nathan Johnson announced that Gracie was located in Texas Hill Country, approximately four miles south of her home. The three-year-old giraffe, weighing at least 1,200 pounds, was spotted looking healthy and content. Vic mentioned that she had been in the area for about a week, near a pond and stream with ample vegetation for grazing.
Efforts are underway to safely transport Gracie back to the ranch, which involves sedating her and using a special giraffe trailer. The search was initiated by helicopters due to the challenging terrain inaccessible by vehicles, leading to the discovery of Gracie on private property uninhabited by people.
Despite the remote location, residents were asked to remain vigilant, although the chances of encountering Gracie were deemed low. Vic expressed relief at finding her unharmed, citing previous instances of missing exotic animals on the ranch. Gracie will be kept in the giraffe enclosure temporarily while Vic reinforces the escape route with a new fence.
The Texas Hill Country’s environment, characterized by mild weather and rugged landscapes, hosts a significant population of captive exotic animals in the United States. Gracie’s escape route through an unfenced rocky area, unexplored by other giraffes, led to her temporary disappearance and subsequent discovery.