Missing Giraffes Scandal Rocks Virginia Zoo

A zoo owner sits in jail for refusing to hand over two baby giraffes she now boldly claims never even existed.

Story Snapshot

Gretchen Mogensen jailed 100 days for contempt after hiding missing giraffe calves born to seized animals.
State inspectors found afterbirth evidence in April 2025, but calves vanished from Natural Bridge Zoo.
Mogensen files federal lawsuit in December 2025 denying calves’ existence and accusing state overreach.
Family-run zoo seized in 2023 raid; one giraffe died during transport amid breeding controversies.
PETA and Alicia Silverstone offer $50,000 reward for information on the mystery calves.

Seizure Ignites Giraffe Drama at Natural Bridge Zoo

Virginia authorities raided Natural Bridge Zoo in December 2023, seizing over 100 animals including four giraffes named Jeffrey, Wrinkles, Little Girl, and Valentine. Officials cited filthy conditions, overgrown hooves, and inadequate care. The giraffes became Rockbridge County property but stayed at the zoo due to transport risks from their height. The Mogensen family, operators since 1972, had sold at least 14 giraffe calves in the prior decade.

Pregnancies developed post-seizure. Wrinkles and Little Girl gave birth, but the calves disappeared. An unannounced April 2025 inspection revealed afterbirth but no newborns. State investigators demanded their location to comply with court-ordered animal transfers.

Court Battles Escalate to Jail Time

A March 2024 jury awarded the state custody of 71 animals, returning 29 to the zoo. Transport attempts faced delays. In July 2025, Karl and Gretchen Mogensen received suspended sentences and fines for impeding giraffe moves through threats to transporters. Three adults relocated in May 2025; Valentine died en route to Georgia, with disputes over causes like transport stress or prior medications.

September 24, 2025, Judge Christopher Russell fined Gretchen $1,000 for one contempt charge and ordered her to reveal the calves by October 29 or face 100 days in jail. She refused. The Virginia Court of Appeals denied a stay. On October 29, Gretchen surrendered to Rockbridge Regional Jail, now over halfway through her sentence ending around February 2026.

Mogensen’s Lawsuit Denies Calves Exist

In December 2025, Gretchen filed a federal lawsuit claiming the calves do not exist, making compliance impossible. She alleges a targeted campaign by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares’ Animal Law Unit. The suit challenges the contempt ruling and state actions as overreach. Surviving giraffes Jeffrey, Wrinkles, and Little Girl now reside at a Georgia safari park.

A multi-jurisdictional grand jury continues a criminal probe. PETA and actress Alicia Silverstone posted a $50,000 reward for calf information, decrying potential separations. Zoo allies argue the state caused Valentine’s death through stressful moves.

Property Rights Clash with Animal Welfare Enforcement

The Mogensens value the four adult giraffes at $1 million and portray their resistance as defending family property against government intrusion. State officials prioritize court order compliance and animal welfare, pointing to inspection evidence of births. Common sense aligns with property rights, yet afterbirth proof undercuts denial claims; facts demand transparency over defiance.

This roadside zoo case spotlights breeding practices and transport challenges for large animals. It may set precedents for seizures and enforcement, deterring informal operations while fueling debates on state power versus individual rights. Resolution hinges on the lawsuit and probe outcomes.