How has Gracie has eluded helicopters, infrared cameras, tracking dogs and drones sweeping the area of Texas Hill Country for nearly two weeks? Earlier reports from news media stating Gracie had been found are not true.
The four-year-old reticulated giraffe escaped from the Cedar Hollow Ranch near Leakey, Texas on June 12, 2026. Crews have been extensively searching a massive 7,500 acre radius in the heavily wooded area. In the meantime, every detection device, including helicopters, cameras, drones and even tracking dogs are being deployed, Gracie remains missing.
Although the ranch keeps a keen eye on the hundreds of exotic animals, curious Gracie managed to bypass an enclosure gate into the surrounding Hill Country brush.
The manager for the Cedar Hollow Ranch, Vick Jones, stated Gracie had been spotted on remote private game cameras, however Texas property laws prohibit rescuers from entering private property without the explicit permission from the owner. One report stated Gracie had been seen Monday on a game camera west of Leakey, moving through dense brush in the Hill Country terrain. Leakey is about 90 miles northwest of San Antonio.
Gracie is not dangerous and poses no danger to the public. Officials, however are concerned about her safety as she has to navigate rocky areas and avoid tripping and falling. There is also the danger of predatory animals like mountain lions.
One probably doesn’t need an exact description of a missing giraffe in the area where they live, work and play, but Gracie is approximately 10 to 11 feet tall and has distinctively rounded ears.
A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Gracie’s safe return.
Anyone with information, please contact the Real County Sheriff’s Office or Vick Jones at 830-279-5822.
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