Authorities have announced that two baby giraffes, which went missing from a problematic Virginia roadside zoo last year, have been found safe.
The calves vanished from the Natural Bridge Zoo in April 2025 and were discovered as part of a detailed investigation. They have since been transferred to a specialized facility, according to the Virginia Attorney General’s Office.
Alicia Silverstone, known for her role in “Clueless,” has offered a $50,000 reward for any information that could lead to their recovery.
While details on how the giraffes were located remain murky, officials confirmed that the young animals are now receiving necessary medical and behavioral care.
The situation surrounding the Natural Bridge Zoo took a turn for the worse in December 2023, when nearly 100 animals were seized during a criminal inquiry into allegations of animal abuse. Some of these animals were found in poor conditions, with 28 either dead or euthanized.
There had been plans to move the remaining four giraffes from the facility around April 2025, especially after two females gave birth. However, when investigators arrived for a routine check, the calves were inexplicably missing.
It’s also worth noting that the zoo failed to report the birth of one of the giraffes, despite a court directive requiring them to do so. This raises concerns since baby giraffes typically need to stay with their mothers for the first nine to twelve months for proper nutrition.
The disappearance of the giraffe led to the arrest of zoo co-owner Gretchen Mogensen, who was sentenced to 100 days in jail for not disclosing information about the animal. She, along with other zoo personnel, has faced numerous animal cruelty charges linked to the investigation.
The Attorney General’s Office expressed gratitude for the public support during the investigation, stating that the resolution underscores their commitment to ensuring safety and accountability in such cases.
