A giraffe that went missing two weeks ago after straying from its habitat has been successfully located with the help of helicopters. The 10-foot-tall giraffe, named Gracie, had escaped from the Cedar Hollow Ranch in Texas, prompting a search effort led by owner Vic Jones, who offered a reward for her safe return.
Following an extensive search in the remote area, Gracie was found in good condition and content in the Texas Hill Country, approximately four miles south of her enclosure. Vic reported that the three-year-old giraffe, weighing over 1,200 pounds, seemed healthy and was observed grazing peacefully when spotted from the air.
Gracie was discovered near a pond and a stream, with abundant vegetation for sustenance. Vic estimated she had been in the area for about a week and is now organizing a team to safely bring her back to the ranch. The operation will involve sedating Gracie, covering her eyes with a hood, and transporting her in a specialized giraffe trailer.
The search was initiated as Gracie had ventured into rugged terrain inaccessible by vehicles. She was eventually located on private property in an uninhabited area. Vic assured that they did not disturb her and mentioned that she appeared well-nourished.
Despite calls for residents to be on the lookout for Gracie, the rural location of the ranch makes human encounters unlikely. Vic acknowledged the challenges of recovering missing animals in such terrain, citing previous incidents involving various species.
The Texas Hill Country, known for its mild climate and rough landscapes, hosts a significant number of exotic captive animals in the United States. Gracie’s escape route was through an unfenced rocky area, which other giraffes had not explored before, leading to her temporary departure from the enclosure.
Gracie will spend the next few days in a secure giraffe pen at the ranch while Vic reinforces the area where she made her escape.
