A giraffe named Gracie has been missing for nearly two weeks after escaping her enclosure at Cedar Hollow Ranch in the Texas Hill Country, according to the property's owner, Vic Jones. Gracie, approximately three years old, wandered into a remote section of the privately owned preserve that other giraffes have historically avoided.
Jones has deployed helicopters in the search for Gracie and has offered a $5,000 reward for her safe return. The giraffe stands roughly the height of a tree and was last seen in a rocky, heavily wooded area. The search area is described as extremely remote, and officials state there is a low likelihood of Gracie encountering humans.
The Texas Hill Country is known for having one of the largest concentrations of exotic captive animals in the United States. Real County Sheriff Nathan Johnson noted that while the climate and terrain are suitable for many African animals, this is the first giraffe escape he has recorded. Previously, the county has seen missing animals such as wildebeests, water buffalo, monkeys, and zebras, with varying rates of recovery.
Despite not being in her native environment, Gracie is expected to find ample vegetation to eat. Other wildlife in the area are not anticipated to pose a threat to her. Initial helicopter searches covered approximately 7,500 acres without success. A subsequent reported sighting to the south proved difficult to follow up on, as Gracie had already moved by the time searchers arrived in the area.