Gracie the Giraffe Found Safe After Nearly Two Weeks on the Loose in Texas Hill Country

Leakey, Texas - A young reticulated giraffe named Gracie, who captivated the internet after escaping from a private ranch in the Texas Hill Country, has been found safe and healthy.

Gracie wandered off Cedar Hollow Ranch near Leakey around June 12, slipping through or around fencing into rugged, unfenced terrain on the expansive property. Despite her towering 10- to 11-foot height, the dense brush, canyons, and vast private lands of Real County made her remarkably hard to spot.

Ranch manager Vick Jones led an intensive search involving helicopters, drones, ground teams, and game cameras. A $5,000 reward was offered for information leading to her safe return, sparking widespread public interest, social media memes, and amateur "giraffe detectives" across Texas.

On the morning of Friday, June 26, an aerial search finally located Gracie about four miles from the ranch. She appeared calm, well-fed, and in good condition, browsing among oaks, mesquites, and acacias.

Real County Sheriff's Office and ranch officials confirmed the sighting and are now focused on safely transporting her back home.

Gracie, estimated to be 3 to 4 years old, had only arrived at the breeding facility in May. The ranch raises exotic animals and has kept giraffes for decades. Her adventurous streak-often exploring areas other giraffes avoided-likely contributed to her escape.

An aerial search finally located Gracie the Giraffe about four miles from the ranch. She appeared calm, well-fed, and in good condition, browsing among oaks, mesquites, and acacias

The saga drew national attention, with outlets like *The New York Times* covering her disappearance and the challenges of searching the Hill Country's terrain. False reports of her being found earlier fueled online rumors, but officials repeatedly clarified she remained at large until the confirmed aerial spotting.

Texas wildlife and exotic game enthusiasts expressed relief at the happy ending. No injuries to Gracie or the public were reported, and authorities thanked the community for tips and support.

Welcome home, Gracie - Texas' most famous runaway is safe.