Texas rancher searches for giraffe missing for two weeks
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A 3-year-old giraffe escaped from a ranch in Texas two weeks ago and has not been found.
- The ranch owner is offering a $5,000 reward and using a helicopter to search the 3,000-hectare property.
- The giraffe is believed to be in a wooded area and poses no threat to residents.
A giraffe has been missing for two weeks after escaping from a ranch in Texas's Hill Country. The owner, Vic Jones, has launched an extensive search operation for the 3-year-old animal. Jones is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the giraffe's discovery and has deployed a helicopter to cover the vast 3,000-hectare ranch.
Despite several reported sightings, the giraffe remains at large. The rural area, with a population of about 2,700, is largely rugged terrain, making a human encounter unlikely. Jones stated, "The giraffe is in the dense forest, not where people are," assuring residents that the risk to them is minimal.
While escapes of animals like water buffalo, monkeys, and zebras have occurred in the region due to floods, a missing giraffe is unprecedented. Jones believes the animal can survive in the wild, citing abundant foliage and a low risk of predation. The search continues for the elusive escapee.
The giraffe is in the dense forest, not where people are.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.