Two giraffe calves, missing since 2025 in a case connected to the Natural Bridge Zoo, have been found. Legal action by Virginia’s Office of the Attorney General led to their safe return and their subsequent placement in a specialized facility for giraffes.
This outcome reflects the Attorney General’s commitment to ensuring public safety, protecting our communities, and accountability for those who break the law. Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, no further details can be released at this time.
The animals are receiving proper medical and behavioral support.
The co-owner of Natural Bridge Zoo, located in Rockbridge County, Gretchen Mogensen, refused to explain to the court what happened to the giraffes or turn them over to authorities. She was ordered to serve a 100-day jail sentence for refusing to cooperate.
The baby giraffes had disappeared after a state raid was conducted on the roadside zoo in December 2023. Nearly 100 animals had been seized due to animal neglect allegations. At the time, investigators also stated that two adult giraffes had recently given birth, but the calves were missing from the property at the time of the seizure.
Their exact recovery location has not been released due to the ongoing criminal investigation.
Zoo owners Deborah Mogensen, Gretchen Mogensen, Karl Mogensen and Mark Easley collectively face 55 misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.
Two of those owners and a veterinarian also face charges with public record forgery.
If anyone has information about the illegal movement of the giraffes, please call 804-786-2071.
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