Missing Texas giraffe Gracie found safe after wandering off ranch
Gracie the Giraffe, an exotic resident of the Cedar Hollow Ranch in Texas, has made headlines following her two-week escapade after wandering away from her enclosure. Found approximately four miles south of her original location, Gracie’s disappearance sparked significant concern and prompted a coordinated search effort, ultimately led by the Real County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Nathan Johnson reported that during an aerial reconnaissance mission in the Texas Hill Country, Gracie was located within proximity to a pond and creek, an abundant source of nourishment for the 3-year-old giraffe. Vick Jones, the giraffe’s owner, expressed relief upon her discovery, confirming that Gracie was in good health when found, exhibiting natural behaviors like swishing her tail. With an impressive weight of over 1,200 pounds and standing tall at ten feet, Gracie had managed to fend for herself effectively in the wild terrain.
The challenge now lies in safely transporting Gracie back to her home, situated roughly 100 miles west of San Antonio. Experts were called in to sedate the giraffe and prepare her for relocation. Due to the remote nature of the terrain, certain areas are inaccessible by vehicle; thus, helicopter assistance was deemed necessary. After sedation, Gracie will be moved using specialized trailers designed for her size, ensuring her safety during transit.
The Texas Hill Country is recognized for its diverse population of exotic animals, where a mild climate and rich vegetation can sustain various species. This particular area has experienced incidents of other exotic animals—such as wildebeests, zebras, and monkeys—going missing, although Gracie’s case was unprecedented according to Sheriff Johnson.
Jones theorized that Gracie’s departure was unintended. It appears she ventured into a rocky area for food and inadvertently strayed beyond the enclosure. He explained that the absence of a fence in the area, a consequence of her keeping to the ranch boundary until now, allowed her to walk further than anticipated. Moving forward, Jones plans to erect a fence around the rocky area to prevent future incidents and ensure Gracie remains within her designated habitat.
Despite the unexpected adventure, Jones maintains that Gracie would not pose a threat to anyone who might have encountered her in the wild. Her natural instinct would be to retreat rather than engage with humans, highlighting the gentle nature of these majestic creatures.
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