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Sheriff Finds Giraffe Near Texas Ranch

6/26/2026

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Summary

Sheriff Finds Giraffe

Sheriff Nathan T. Johnson found giraffe Gracie on Friday at 6:45 a.m. near Cedar Hollow Ranch, Regan Wells, Texas.
Jeff Hill of Concho Aviation located Gracie from a helicopter while deputies, residents and County Animal Rescue-Shelter assisted the search.
Ranch manager Vick Jones said Gracie was fat and happy and will sedate her for transport.
The ranch offered a $5,000 reward and officials await owner’s veterinarian to capture Gracie safely.

Summary

Ranch Searches Gracie

The 7,500-acre Cedar Hollow Ranch prompted an aerial search area to locate the missing animal Gracie.
The ranch has kept giraffes for about 30 years and now maintains a herd of hundreds of exotic species, including impalas, Nubian ibexes and a Central African antelope.
Located in Texas Hill Country, the property adds to the regional challenge of monitoring non-native wildlife and supporting local law-enforcement efforts.

History

Historical Context

After the 2003 Captive Wild Animal Safety Act and growing state regulations—most states now require permits for exotic pets—Texas officials responded to a runaway giraffe on Cedar Hollow Ranch, a 7,500-acre Hill Country property. Sheriff Nathan T. Johnson offered a $5,000 reward and enlisted Concho Aviation’s Jeff Hill for an aerial search, underscoring enforcement challenges despite CITES-guided trade controls.

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Sheriff Finds Giraffe

Sheriff Nathan T. Johnson found giraffe Gracie on Friday at 6:45 a.m. near Cedar Hollow Ranch, Regan Wells, Texas.
Jeff Hill of Concho Aviation located Gracie from a helicopter while deputies, residents and County Animal Rescue-Shelter assisted the search.
Ranch manager Vick Jones said Gracie was fat and happy and will sedate her for transport.
The ranch offered a $5,000 reward and officials await owner’s veterinarian to capture Gracie safely.

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