Full Breakdown
Missing Giraffe Gracie Escapes Cedar Hollow Ranch in Texas Hill Country
6/24/2026, 5:15:01 AM
Core Event: Gracie Leaves Cedar Hollow Ranch
On June 22, 2026, a three-to-four-year-old giraffe named Gracie slipped out of Cedar Hollow Ranch in Real County, Texas, after feeding on a hillside beyond the usual grazing area. She crossed an unfenced section beyond an eight-foot gate and entered the open Hill Country. A motion-activated camera captured her west of Leakey, about 100 miles northwest of San Antonio. Ranch manager Vick Jones announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to her safe return.
Key Figures & Groups
- Vick Jones – Manager of Cedar Hollow Ranch and owner of Gracie.
- Real County Animal Rescue-Shelter – Social-media account that posted the missing-animal alert.
- Real County Sheriff’s Office – Law-enforcement agency coordinating the search.
Timeline
- June 22, 2026 (Mon): Gracie escapes; camera records movement west of Leakey.
- June 23, 2026 (Tue): Ranch manager reports ongoing search; tip photos outdated.
- June 24, 2026 (Wed): Fox Austin interview quotes Jones saying the giraffe has been “located” and may return Tuesday.
Official Statements & Responses
Cedar Hollow Ranch noted that Gracie has been at the property since May and said the search would continue until she is safely returned. The Real County Animal Rescue-Shelter posted the alert on Facebook, urging the public to contact Jones or the sheriff’s office with leads. The Real County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the investigation remains active.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial NBC and local reports described Gracie as still missing, with search teams covering up to four miles from the ranch. A later Fox Austin interview quoted Jones saying the giraffe had been “located” and would return Tuesday. No independent verification of the latter claim appears in other sources, leaving her status uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everybody in the whole world seems to be looking for her.” — Vick Jones, Ranch Manager
- “The search will continue “until we get her home,” he said.” — Vick Jones, Ranch Manager
- “She’s a little farther (away) than I’d like her to be,” — Vick Jones, Ranch Manager
- “rounded ears,” — Real County Animal Rescue-Shelter description
Why It Matters
The case underscores challenges of containing exotic wildlife on private preserves, especially where fences are insufficient. Social-media attention shows public fascination with a giraffe roaming the Texas Hill Country and has spurred a coordinated community response.
What’s Next
Jones will keep the $5,000 reward in place while search crews continue ground patrols and review additional camera footage. The Real County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with sightings to call the listed hotlines. Updates will follow as the investigation proceeds.
