Add The New York Post on Google Two baby giraffes who vanished from a troubled Virginia roadside zoo last year have been found safe, according to authorities.
The pair of calves that disappeared from the Natural Bridge Zoo in April 2025 were discovered during an “extensive investigation” and placed in a professional facility, according to the Office of the Virginia Attorney General.
“Clueless” star Alicia Silverstone had offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to their recovery.
It’s unknown how investigators were led to the long-necked babies, but the cutie-pie exotic animals are now receiving proper medical and behavioral support, officials said.
A scandal erupted around the Natural Bridge Zoo in December 2023 when officials seized nearly 100 animals during a criminal animal-cruelty probe.
Many of the animals were living in filthy conditions, and 28 of the animals were either found deceased or humanely euthanized.
Officials were planning on relocating four giraffes who remained at the zoo when two female giraffes became pregnant and gave birth around April 2025, WDBJ reported.
But when an investigator dropped by for an inspection that month, the newborns were nowhere to be found.
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.”
