A giraffe named Gracie has gone missing for almost two weeks, proving elusive despite search efforts. The three-year-old giraffe escaped from Cedar Hollow Ranch in Texas, venturing into an unfamiliar area on the property, complicating the search operation.
Owner Vic Jones explained that Gracie explored rocky ledges and hillsides where other giraffes had not ventured before, leading to her getting stuck on the wrong side of a gate. Helicopters have been used in the extensive search across Real County, with reported sightings but no successful capture yet.
Local residents have been alerted to keep an eye out for Gracie, although the remote and rugged terrain makes it unlikely for her to encounter people. Despite previous incidents of escaped animals on the ranch, this is the first time one of the giraffes has gone missing.
Gracie, not native to Texas, is expected to find ample vegetation for sustenance and face minimal threats from wildlife. Search efforts have expanded to cover a vast area, with delays in response to reported sightings hindering the rescue mission.
A reward of $5,000 (£3,600) is being offered for Gracie’s safe return. Her disappearance follows the recovery of two missing baby giraffes from a Virginia zoo, which were relocated to a specialized care facility following allegations of animal abuse at the zoo.