A giraffe that had been missing for approximately two weeks in the Texas Hill Country has been found safe and in good condition, according to officials. Gracie the Giraffe, approximately 3 years old and weighing at least 1,200 pounds, was spotted during an aerial search Friday.
Real County Sheriff Nathan Johnson confirmed that the giraffe was found about four miles south of her enclosure on a remote private ranch. Her owner, Vick Jones, stated that Gracie appeared to be in good shape and had access to water and vegetation. Jones believes Gracie had been in the area for about a week.
The process of returning Gracie to the Cedar Hollow Ranch, located about 100 miles west of San Antonio, involved veterinarians sedating her and preparing her for transport. She will be moved using specialized trailers designed for giraffes.
The Texas Hill Country is known for having a significant concentration of exotic captive animals. While residents were asked to keep an eye out for Gracie, she was ultimately found on uninhabited private property. Jones explained that Gracie likely wandered off after feeding on trees near the enclosure and exiting through a gate, choosing to continue in the same direction rather than backtrack. He indicated plans to build a fence in the area where Gracie had been accessing the trees.
Jones added that despite her size, Gracie would not have posed a danger to people if encountered off the ranch, noting that she would typically retreat if approached.