The disappearance of two newborn giraffes from a Virginia zoo has escalated into an international animal welfare scandal, resulting in a jail sentence for the facility's manager and a substantial reward offer from Hollywood actress Alicia Silverstone.
Zoo Manager Imprisoned Over Missing Calves
Gretchen Mogensen, the facilities manager at Natural Bridge Zoo, began a 100-day jail sentence after refusing to disclose the whereabouts of the two baby giraffes that vanished months after their birth. According to animal rights organisation PETA, Mogensen chose incarceration rather than revealing what happened to the missing calves.
The court had previously instructed the zoo to report when the giraffes gave birth, but when investigators conducted an unannounced inspection in April, they discovered the mothers had delivered but the babies were missing. Prosecutors argued that Mogensen was responsible for the health and safety of the animals under her care.
Celebrity Intervention and Substantial Reward
Actress Alicia Silverstone, famous for her role in 'Clueless', has partnered with PETA to offer a $50,000 (approximately £39,000) reward for information leading to the location of the missing giraffe calves. The Hollywood A-lister expressed grave concerns about the animals' welfare in an official statement.
'Tearing babies away from their distraught mothers is devastating for both, no matter what species they are,' Silverstone declared. 'These missing babies need specialised care, and every day counts in finding them, so I hope someone with information about their whereabouts will come forward now.'
History of Animal Welfare Concerns
The controversy at Natural Bridge Zoo began in December 2023 when Virginia Attorney General authorities seized custody of 100 animals from the facility. Tragically, 28 animals were recovered dead or required euthanasia due to their poor condition.
PETA investigators described discovering 'animals kept in filth, sick animals denied veterinary care, and dozens of dead animal bodies and parts.' Among the grisly findings were giraffe legs, skin, tails, and even a head, raising serious questions about the zoo's practices.
According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, baby giraffes naturally remain with their mothers for 15 to 18 months after birth, depending on their mother's milk for up to a year. The court determined that the zoo had a history of prematurely separating calves from their mothers and had lost its exhibitor's license on at least three previous occasions.
Mogensen, who was charged with 'disobeying judgment' in September for failing to report the births, has until February to complete her sentence at Rockbridge Regional Jail. The zoo has reportedly closed for the season while the search for the missing giraffes continues.
