Gracie the Giraffe Found Safe After Two-Week Search in Rural Texas

Gracie the giraffe, who had been missing for almost two weeks after wandering off from a private game ranch in rural Texas, was found safe on Wednesday, according to reports. The long-necked mammal became a local celebrity during her absence, prompting a widespread search.

Cedar Hollow Ranch in Leakey, a town of about 700 residents west of San Antonio, reported Gracie missing when she failed to return. The Real County sheriff's office issued a "be on the lookout" advisory with detailed identifying features, including that Gracie has rounded ears. One resident joked online: "If you spot a giraffe in the Texas hill country, check its ears first before calling it in."

Ranch manager Vick Jones told the New York Times that Gracie, aged three and a half to four years, had wandered off after coming down on the wrong side of a gate while reaching for leaves. "This giraffe, unlike none of the others ever did, she would walk around," he said. Jones offered a $5,000 reward and hired helicopters and drones for the search.

Sheriff Nathan Johnson admitted he chuckled when he received the first missing giraffe report but took the case seriously. "It found a way outside of the high game fence and after that it's been on a fling just enjoying the more rugged parts of Real county," he said. He noted predators like mountain lions and coyotes could pose a threat.

The good news came late Tuesday in a brief report from a San Antonio news station, stating Gracie was found alive and "a little farther out than expected" from the ranch. No further details on location were provided. The Guardian has contacted authorities for comment.