Overview
- Searchers spotted Gracie from a helicopter on Friday about four miles south of Cedar Hollow Ranch near a pond and creek after roughly two weeks missing.
- Owner Vick Jones and local officials said the three-year-old giraffe appeared in good condition when located and was calmly standing and feeding.
- A veterinary and ranch team is preparing to chemically immobilize Gracie, fit protective gear for her legs and neck, and load her into a specialized tall-animal trailer for transport back to the ranch.
- Jones says Gracie likely left after feeding in a rocky area, slipped through the wrong side of a gate onto private, unfenced land, and the ranch now plans to install stronger fencing to prevent a repeat.
- The episode underscores challenges in the Texas Hill Country—sparse roads, limestone terrain and a local population of privately held exotic animals that can complicate searches and recoveries.