A giraffe that went missing two weeks ago from a ranch in Texas has been found safe and sound after a search involving helicopters. The 10-foot-tall giraffe named Gracie had escaped from her enclosure at Cedar Hollow Ranch, prompting owner Vic Jones to offer a $5,000 reward for her safe return.
Following an extensive search in the remote area, Gracie was spotted from a helicopter and described as “fat and happy” by Real County Sheriff Nathan Johnson. The three-year-old giraffe, weighing over 1,200 pounds, was found four miles south of her enclosure, looking healthy and content.
Gracie was discovered near a pond and a stream, with abundant vegetation for food. Vic mentioned that she seemed to have been in the area for about a week. Plans are now underway to safely transport her back to the ranch, which will involve sedating her and using a special giraffe trailer.
The search efforts were focused on challenging terrain inaccessible by car, leading to Gracie being located on private property without inhabitants. Vic assured that they did not disturb her, as she appeared well-nourished and in good condition.
Despite calls for assistance from the local community, the vast and remote nature of the search area made it unlikely for Gracie to encounter people. Vic noted that similar incidents of animals going missing have occurred before on the ranch.
Gracie’s escape route was through an unfenced rocky area where other giraffes had not ventured previously. She will be temporarily housed in the ranch’s giraffe enclosure while additional fencing is installed to prevent future escapes.
The Texas Hill Country, known for its mild climate and rugged landscapes, hosts a significant population of exotic captive animals in the United States. Vic emphasized the need for improved security measures to avoid such incidents in the future.