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Missing Hill Country giraffe found days after wandering off Texas ranch
By Hannah Jones at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS)
· June 26, 2026
· 3 min read
After being missing for nearly two weeks, Gracie the Giraffe has been found.
Gracie disappeared from Cedar Hollow Ranch and was last seen on a game camera roaming in an area west of Leakey, a small city about 100 miles northwest of San Antonio, according to the Real County Animal Shelter-Rescu...
Key takeaway Gracie disappeared from Cedar Hollow Ranch and was last seen on a game camera roaming in an area west of Leakey, a small city about 100 miles northwest of San Antonio, according to the Real County Animal Shelter-Rescue.
Why this matters in The Trophy Club
The successful recovery of Gracie the Giraffe in the Texas Hill Country brings relief to the community, but it also raises questions about the safety and security of exotic animal ranches in the region. As the Dallas-Fort Worth area continues to grow, the intersection of urban and rural landscapes can lead to unique challenges, such as the potential for escaped animals to roam into populated areas. In this case, Gracie's ability to thrive on private ranch land with ample food and water highlights the importance of responsible animal ownership and enclosure practices. The fact that Gracie was able to escape from Cedar Hollow Ranch by wandering to an unfenced area underscores the need for ranch owners to ensure their properties are secure and escape-proof. As the region's population expands, it will be crucial for local authorities and animal owners to work together to prevent similar incidents and protect both humans and animals.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . The Trophy Club surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? After being missing for nearly two weeks, Gracie the Giraffe has been found.
Gracie disappeared from Cedar Hollow Ranch and was last seen on a game camera roaming in an area west of Leakey, a small city about 100 miles northwest of San Antonio, according to the Real County Animal Shelter-Rescu...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) and curated for The Trophy Club readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Hannah Jones at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS). To learn more about how The Trophy Club selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Trophy Club, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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