ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE
According to court documents, 95 animals were seized during the search at Natural Bridge Zoo. The documents read that the animals were impounded under Section 3.2-6570 and 3.2-6569 of the Code of Virginia for a determination that they had been subject to “cruel treatment or neglect.”
[WATCH: Raw interview with Natural Bridge Zoo owner’s daughter, Gretchen Mogensen]
The documents also revealed that four giraffes were not impounded but there will be a hearing for their seizure.
A court hearing will be held on Dec. 20, 2023, to determine the deposition of the animals.
Read the documents in full below.
95 Animals Seized by WSLS on Scribd
ORIGINAL STORY
A tiger at the Natural Bridge Zoo was euthanized during state police’s search, according to Attorney Mario Williams.
According to the Office of the Attorney General, “The Tiger was euthanized with consent of the owners to humanely end its suffering upon recommendation by the specialist veterinarian following their examination.”
We’re told 91 animals were taken from Natural Bridge by state police and the Attorney General’s Office. The search ended Thursday night.
On-site, 10 News saw local animal organizations, including New Freedom Farm and Angels of Assisi, putting covered crates into their vehicles.
On Friday afternoon, Gretchen Mogensen with the zoo confirmed the drone video we captured was Zeus the tiger.
On the last USDA inspection report in June, the Zoo listed 316 animals of all kinds, including llamas, monkeys, and tigers.
See more coverage below:
- Original story: Search at Natural Bridge Zoo in Rockbridge County