Two young giraffes that disappeared last year from a troubled roadside zoo in Virginia have been located and are safe, authorities said.
The calves, reported missing from the Natural Bridge Zoo in April 2025, were found as part of an “extensive investigation” and have since been moved to a professional care facility, according to the Virginia Attorney General’s Office.
Actress Alicia Silverstone, best known for “Clueless,” had pledged a $50,000 reward for information that helped bring the animals back.
Officials have not disclosed what led investigators to the young giraffes, but said the animals are now receiving appropriate veterinary care and behavioral support.
The Natural Bridge Zoo came under intense scrutiny in December 2023, when authorities removed nearly 100 animals during a criminal investigation into alleged animal cruelty.
Investigators said many animals had been kept in unsanitary conditions, and 28 were either found dead or were humanely euthanized.
Authorities had been preparing to relocate four giraffes still housed at the zoo when two females became pregnant and delivered calves around April 2025, WDBJ reported.
But during an inspection that month, an investigator arrived at the property and found the newborn giraffes missing.
The troubled zoo also never reported the giraffe births, despite a court order that requires them to do so, the outlet said.
The calves were believed to have been separated from their mother dangerously early, since baby giraffes typically rely on milk from their mothers for nine to 12 months after birth.
The giraffe’s disappearance led to the arrest of zoo co-owner Gretchen Mogensen, who was sentenced to 100 days behind bars after refusing to say what happened to them.
Gretchen, Deborah Mogensen, Karl Mogensen and Mark Easley were hit with a total of 55 misdemeanor animal cruelty charges in connection with the probe, the local outlet said.
Deborah and Gretchen, along with Ashley Spencer, a veterinarian affiliated with the zoo, were also charged with forgery of public records, according to the report.
“The Office of the Attorney General extends its gratitude to the public for the tremendous support shown throughout this investigation,” state prosecutors said in a statement.
“This outcome reflects the Attorney General’s commitment to ensuring public safety, protecting our communities, and accountability for those who break the law.”
