Texas giraffe missing for two weeks found near ranch
A three-year-old giraffe that escaped from a private Texas ranch was located about four miles south of its enclosure after a two-week search, and plans are under way to return it to the property.
A three-year-old, 1,200-pound giraffe that left a remote ranch in the Texas Hill Country was found Friday about four miles (6.4 km) south of its enclosure during an aerial search, Real County Sheriff Nathan Johnson said. The animal was spotted near a pond and creek, where it had access to vegetation and water, and appeared to have been in the area for roughly a week.
Owner Vick Jones said the giraffe was in good condition, standing and swishing its tail. He added that the animal had likely wandered into a rocky feeding zone, crossed the gate on the wrong side and continued onward rather than turning back. Because the terrain is not fenced, Jones plans to install a barrier before moving the giraffe back to the Cedar Hollow Ranch, about 100 miles (160 km) west of San Antonio.
Veterinarians will sedate the giraffe, cover its eyes, and transport it first in an open-pasture trailer and then in a taller, enclosed trailer designed for giraffes. The remote location, inaccessible by car, required a helicopter for the search, and local residents were asked to report any sightings.
Johnson noted that the region has a high concentration of exotic captive animals and that reports of missing wildlife such as wildebeests, water buffalo, zebras and monkeys have been received, though this is the first giraffe case.
"She’s in good shape," Jones said.
"If you move toward her, she’s taking off," he added, noting the animal would not pose a danger to people.
The giraffe will remain in the ranch’s enclosure until the new fence is installed and the transport arrangements are completed.