A 10-foot-tall giraffe named Gracie has been found safe in the Texas Hill Country after disappearing from a private ranch for approximately two weeks. The animal was discovered in good condition, described as 'fat and happy' by her owner, Vick Jones.
A helicopter search, initiated by Jones, located Gracie about four miles south of her enclosure on a remote private property. The giraffe had access to a pond, a creek, and ample vegetation during her time away from the Cedar Hollow Ranch, located about 100 miles west of San Antonio. Veterinarians have begun the process of safely returning her to the ranch.
Gracie, who is about three years old and weighs at least 1,200 pounds, was found within a half-mile of a water source. Jones believes Gracie did not intend to leave the ranch, suggesting she may have wandered off after feeding on trees in a rocky area and accidentally came down on the wrong side of a gate. The owner plans to install a fence in the area where Gracie escaped, as giraffes had not previously ventured into the rocky terrain.
The Texas Hill Country is known for having a high concentration of captive exotic animals. Real County Sheriff Nathan Johnson noted that while his office has previously received reports of missing animals like wildebeests and zebras, this is the first time a giraffe has gone missing in the area.
Jones stated that Gracie would not have harmed anyone she encountered and would have fled if approached. The process of returning Gracie involves sedating her, placing a hood over her eyes, and moving her via an open-pasture trailer to a specialized, enclosed trailer for giraffes.
