Giraffe calves missing from Natural Bridge Zoo found safe
NBC4 Washington • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Two missing giraffe calves from the Natural Bridge Zoo have been safely located and are now housed at the Georgia Safari Conservation Park, ending over a year of uncertainty and legal disputes.
- The Virginia Attorney General's office led a coordinated investigation but has not disclosed details of where the calves were found or how they were moved, citing an active criminal investigation.
- The Natural Bridge Zoo faced prior scrutiny for inadequate animal care, resulting in the seizure of 96 animals in 2023 and the conviction of owner Gretchen Mogensen on animal cruelty charges.
- Mogensen refused to disclose the calves' whereabouts, leading to multiple contempt rulings and jail sentences, while advocacy groups including PETA and Alicia Silverstone offered a reward to aid the search.
- Authorities continue to seek information about the illegal movement of the giraffes and encourage the public to contact the Attorney General's office with any relevant details.
