Gracie the Giraffe has been found!
Videos by Wide Open Country
The 11-foot-tall animal had been missing from Cedar Hollow Ranch in Leakey, Texas, since June 12. Earlier this week, the 3- to 4-year-old exotic creature was seen on a game camera west of the town, which is located 90 miles northwest of San Antonio.
Where Was Gracie the Giraffe Found?
As reported by CBS Austin, the Real County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Gracie the Giraffe was found this morning, June 26, around 6:45 a.m. She was located four miles west of Cedar Hollow Ranch.
"We found her. She's fat and happy," said Real County Sheriff Nathan T. Johnson. "We're going to have to bring in a team and sedate her so we can move her. She had a catch me if you can sucker's attitude."
Jeff Hill of Concho Aviation helped locate the animal. The sheriff said officials are waiting for the owner's veterinarian to arrive. They will help capture and sedate Gracie so she can be transported back to Cedar Hollow Ranch.
Why Was a Giraffe in Texas?
As reported by Vox, Cedar Hollow Ranch breeds hoofed animals, including other giraffes like Gracie, as well as rare species of deer, antelope, and sheep. Many are endangered or vulnerable in the wild.
The ranch has housed giraffes for more than three decades. It sells its exotic animals to people who like having wildlife. They have also sold animals to small zoos that allow visitors to hand-feed giraffes. The owner insists that its breeding work is for conservation purposes.
"How else are you going to help save a species, help preserve a species, if we don't have ranches in Texas and ranches in other parts of the United States now that have room and people to protect these animals?" he said.
Gracie the Giraffe's owner said she is known for roaming more freely around the property. The steep canyon terrain in the area helps to keep her contained. But this time, she managed to move past an enclosure and into the surrounding area.
