NATURAL BRIDGE, Va. – Gretchen Mogensen with the Natural Bridge Zoo was there when the search warrant was executed and was there when Zeus the tiger was put down.
Virginia State Police and the Attorney General’s Office conducted a two-day search of the area, during which 95 animals were taken away.
Natural Bridge Zoo representative Gretchen Mogensen said animals are just trying to cope. After having strangers in their habitats, a disruption of eating schedule and 95 of their fellow animals taken away. The two-day investigative search by Virginia State Police and the Attorney General’s office started on Wednesday.
“The entire parking lot was full of state troopers, which is alarming enough as it is,” Mogensen said. “However when we saw large animal trailers that’s when panic absolutely sets into your heart as to why those vehicles are there.”
Mogensen said later on Wednesday she was alongside their white tiger named Zeus when he was euthanized.
“I stroked his head, and I kissed his nose and held his paws while he took the very last breath that he’ll ever have,” Mogensen said. “While the cat may have had issues and was sick, our vet was dealing with it, and we had a very strong record of what was going on.”
Mogensen also referenced the bird below, which she said mates for life. We’re told the bird’s partner was taken away by those searching the area.
10 News crews have been at the zoo since the first day of the search, working for you to cover all developments in the case.
On Wednesday, we captured drone video of the area, which showed a massive animal being carried by five people into a trailer. Mogensen, the zoo owner’s daughter, confirmed to 10 News Friday afternoon that the animal was Zeus the tiger.
Mogensen shared photos of Zeus before the euthanization. See the gallery by clicking here.
See more coverage below:
- Original story: Search at Natural Bridge Zoo in Rockbridge County