Authorities search for missing baby giraffes, zoo co-owner is jailed

NATURAL BRIDGE, Va. (WDBJ/Gray News) - A nationwide search is underway for two baby giraffes reportedly born at the Natural Bridge Zoo in Virginia, whose disappearances have led the zoo’s co-owner serving jail time.

Four giraffes remained on the grounds, as property of Rockbridge County, following the seizure of 100 animals by the Attorney General’s Animal Law Unit in December 2023, and the subsquent return of 39 animals in January 2024.

The giraffes were not moved since moving them can be dangerous and complicated.

Two female giraffes became pregnant before the state could relocate them, and by the time investigators visited in April, the births had already happened. However, the calves were nowhere to be found.

Officials said the zoo never reported the births, despite a court order requiring it.

Co-owner Gretchen Mogensen refused to answer when asked in court to explain what happened to the giraffes or to hand them over.

Mogensen was given five weeks to comply, but didn’t. She is now serving a 100-day jail sentence for disobeying the order.

The state still has no answers about the calves’ whereabouts or condition.

The mystery has drawn national attention.

Actress Alicia Silverstone and PETA have stepped in with a $50,000 reward for any tip that leads to the missing giraffes.

The Natural Bridge Zoo has closed for the season, according to a sign posted on the front door. Mogensen has until February to finish her sentence.

WDBJ7 reached out to her attorney for comment and has not heard back as of Monday.

The Natural Bridge Zoo was at the center of an allged animal abuse investigation in 2024 that resulted in the mentioned seizure of animals as well as the euthnasia of a rare white tiger.

Investigators in the case claimed the animals were found in filthy, overcrowded habitats and were not recieving proper care.

The care of the giraffes was mentioned in the investigations, with multiple exotic animal care experts recommending they be seized and impounded.

It was observed during the investigation there multiple safety hazards regarding the giraffes and that they lacked enrichments or proper basic care. The state also said it appeared the female giraffes were breeding back-to-back calves, but none of the calves were at the zoo.