All rights reserved. © 2026
NPR & PBS for South Texas (361) 855-2213
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Missing giraffe Gracie found safe near Leakey after nearly two weeks on the loose

Gracie the Giraffe was found on Friday morning June 26th, 2026
Real County Animal Rescue-Shelter
/
Facebook
Gracie the Giraffe was found on Friday morning June 26th, 2026

Sign up for TPR Today, Texas Public Radio's newsletter that brings our top stories to your inbox each morning.

After nearly two weeks on the loose, Gracie the giraffe has been found safe.

Real County Sheriff Nathan T. Johnson announced on Facebook that Gracie was found early Friday morning about four miles south of Cedar Hollow Ranch near Regan Wells.

According to Johnson, ranch owner Vick Jones located the giraffe during an aerial search with the assistance of Jeff Hill of Concho Aviation. Jones then contacted his veterinarian and began assembling a team to safely capture Gracie and bring her home.

Gracie's disappearance took on a life of its own as local organizations, businesses and residents shared photos and messages of support on social media, often placing the missing giraffe alongside familiar landmarks across the region.

Gracie is estimated to be around 3 years old and stands nearly 11 feet tall. She went missing on June 12.

Copyright 2026 Texas Public Radio

Jerry Clayton