Giraffe Escaped Texas Ranch Found Alive Near Property
A giraffe that fled a private Texas game reserve was located four miles from the ranch and is slated for capture and return.
A giraffe that escaped from Cedar Hollow Ranch in Leakey, Texas, was spotted early Friday about four miles from the property, officials said. Ranch manager Vick Jones flew a helicopter over newly permitted land and, after about 45 minutes, the pilot reported seeing the animal.
"She looked good; she’s in good shape," Jones told reporters. The animal was found in an uninhabited area with no public access. A veterinarian with experience handling the giraffe will lead a team to immobilize her and transport her in a specialized trailer back to the ranch. Sheriff Nathan T. Johnson of Real County confirmed the giraffe was alive and appeared healthy, describing her as "fat and happy" and noting a "catch-me-if-you-can" attitude. The giraffe, named Gracie, had originally arrived at the private exotic-animal facility in May and escaped after slipping through a gate while reaching for tree foliage.