Baby giraffes who vanished from troubled roadside zoo last year finally found safe

Key Points:

• Two baby giraffes that disappeared from Virginia's Natural Bridge Zoo in April 2025 have been found safe and placed in a professional facility, following an extensive investigation by authorities.
• The zoo had been under scrutiny since December 2023 after officials seized nearly 100 animals amid a criminal animal-cruelty probe, revealing poor conditions and the death or euthanasia of 28 animals.
• The disappearance of the giraffe calves, who were believed to have been separated from their mothers prematurely, led to the arrest and sentencing of co-owner Gretchen Mogensen and multiple misdemeanor animal cruelty charges against several zoo affiliates.
• The zoo failed to report the giraffe births as required by court order, contributing to the investigation and legal actions, including forgery charges against some staff members.
• Actress Alicia Silverstone had offered a $50,000 reward for information on the calves, and officials expressed gratitude to the public for their support, emphasizing the commitment to public safety and legal accountability.