Missing Giraffe, Gracie, Found After Two Weeks on the Run
A 3-year-old giraffe, weighing a hefty 1,200 pounds, has been safely located after an adventurous two-week absence from a private ranch in Texas. The towering animal, known as Gracie, disappeared from her unfenced enclosure at Cedar Hollow Ranch in Leakey, Texas, on June 12.
Helicopter Spotting Ends Giraffe’s Great Escape
Gracie, who stands approximately 10 feet tall, was spotted from a helicopter on Friday morning. She was found about four miles south of the ranch, nestled in a remote and densely wooded area.
Vick Jones, the ranch manager, explained that Gracie had only recently arrived at the ranch in May and was still adjusting to her new surroundings. He believes her departure was unintentional, stemming from her grazing in an unfamiliar part of the property. “She got out and came back on the wrong side of the gate,” Jones stated, likening the incident to a simple mishap.
Gracie is one of two giraffes residing at Cedar Hollow Ranch. “Just one of those bad deals that happen, you know?” Jones commented. “And inadvertently, like I say, we’ve never had giraffes go up in that area before and she did.”
Viral Search for a Gentle Giant
In an effort to locate Gracie, Jones posted a notice on a local lost and found application. His hope was that local ranch workers might spot her or have seen her, providing clues to her whereabouts. “And 24 hours later, it’s all over the world,” Jones remarked, astonished by the rapid spread of information.
The appeal for Gracie quickly gained global attention, sparking a wave of creative AI-generated images depicting her in various whimsical scenarios. “I now know what the word viral means,” Jones quipped.
Giraffe Returns Home Safely
Upon Gracie’s discovery, Jones contacted a veterinarian. Preparations are underway to safely transport her back to the ranch. “She’s in good shape,” Jones confirmed. “She’s standing there, swishing her tail.” He emphasized that Gracie is a docile animal and posed no threat to the public. “If you move toward her, she’s taking off,” he added.
Gracie was found on private land adjacent to a pond and creek, with ample vegetation available for sustenance. Her return journey will involve sedation, a protective hood, and transport via a specialized open-air trailer followed by an enclosed giraffe trailer.
The Texas Hill Country is known for its significant population of captive exotic animals. While local authorities have previously responded to calls about escaped monkeys and zebras, a missing giraffe is a first. In response to the incident, Jones indicated plans to reinforce Gracie’s enclosure with a fence.
