The intense search for Gracean almost four-year-old reticulated giraffe who escaped from a private ranch in Texasthis came to an end June 26when it was found safe and sound after staying more than two weeks in freedom.
The animal was located around the 7.30 amto some 6 kilometers south of Cedar Hollow Ranchnearly Regan Wellsin Real County. The discovery was possible thanks to an aerial operation led by the ranch manager, Vick Jonesand the pilot Jeff Hillwho were flying over the area in a helicopter.
A search that mobilized an entire county
Gracie disappeared on June 11after accidentally leaving the limits of the ranch when crossing a rock formation that served as a natural barrier. Since then, local authorities, veterinarians, exotic fauna specialists and volunteers have deployed an extensive operation to locate it.
A 3-year-old giraffe named Gracie who went missing two weeks ago from a ranch in Texas was found on Friday. Gracie escaped her enclosure earlier this month, and her handlers tracked her down about four miles away from her home. pic.twitter.com/e7aEWfe2Xb
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 26, 2026
During the search the following were carried out:
- Daily helicopter flyovers
- Installation of camera traps
- Monitoring on neighboring properties
- Coordination with veterinarians and wildlife experts
- Alerts directed to county residents
The cameras managed to capture Gracie on several occasions; However, the mountainous and bush-covered terrain made it difficult for her to be rescued sooner.
They found her calm and in good condition.
The sheriff of Real County, Nathan Johnsonreported that the giraffe was found standing, calm and apparently in good physical condition.
After nearly two weeks of wandering the Texas Hill Country, Gracie the giraffe has been found. The 3-year-old giraffe was spotted from a helicopter Friday morning, about four miles south of the ranch where she lives. https://t.co/HQd7OKuCW5 @CBSNews @CBSEveningNews @CBSMornings pic.twitter.com/hTWCyBULUy
— CBS News Texas (@CBSNewsTexas) June 26, 2026
As explained by the authoritiesduring the days he remained outside the ranch he managed to survive thanks to access to vegetationa stream and a pond located in the area where he remained.
“We found her. She is well fed and calm“said the sheriff after confirming the discovery.
This was the rescue
After locating her, veterinarians carefully sedated Gracie to prevent her from suffering stress or injury during transport.
Afterwards, a hood was placed on her to cover her eyes and she was transported in a trailer specially designed to transport giraffes until she returned to the Cedar Hollow Ranchwhere she will undergo a complete veterinary evaluation before returning to the rest of the animals.
After the incident, the owners announced that they will reinforce security measures to prevent a new leak.
According to the internal investigation, Gracie managed to get out because she descended a rocky area that had never before been used by the ranch’s giraffes. Those responsible have already hired a specialized company to install new fences and strengthen the perimeter.
Although the disappearance generated great attention in Texas and kept authorities on alert for more than two weeks, the sheriff stressed that the giraffe never posed a danger to the populationsince his behavior was always calm and he avoided contact with people.
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