No more elephant rides? Bill moving forward could impact Natural Bridge Zoo

Under bill, contact with elephants would be illegal

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. – A bill that could have a big impact on a popular local attraction is working its way through the General Assembly.

This week, the House Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee passed a bill designating elephants ‘dangerous’ captive animals.

If the bill becomes law, people would no longer be allowed to ride the elephant at Natural Bridge Zoo in Rockbridge County.

A previous version of the bill excluded elephants from the list of dangerous captive animals.

Asha the elephant at Natural Bridge Zoo (WSLS)