A family-run zoo owner sits in jail for refusing to hand over “non-existent” baby giraffes, exposing aggressive state overreach that tramples property rights and common sense.
Story Snapshot
- Gretchen Mogensen jailed 100 days for contempt after defying court order on missing giraffe calves born to state-seized animals left at her Virginia zoo.
- In December 2025 federal lawsuit, Mogensen claims calves do not exist, contradicting inspectors’ afterbirth evidence from April 2025 inspection.
- State AG’s office enforces custody while zoo family alleges targeted campaign, highlighting government power against small business owners.
- PETA offers $50,000 reward; one giraffe died during transport, fueling disputes over animal welfare vs. bureaucratic excess.
Seizure and Hidden Births Ignite Conflict
In December 2023, Virginia authorities seized over 100 animals from Natural Bridge Zoo in Rockbridge County, including four giraffes named Jeffrey, Wrinkles, Little Girl, and Valentine. Officials cited filthy conditions, overgrown hooves, and inadequate care. The giraffes became county property but remained at the zoo due to transport risks from their height. A jury in March 2024 awarded the state custody of 71 animals, returning 29 to the zoo. This family operation, run by the Mogensens since 1972, had sold at least 14 giraffe calves in the prior decade.
Inspections Reveal Missing Calves
An unannounced April 2025 inspection found that female giraffes Wrinkles and Little Girl had given birth, evidenced by afterbirth, but the calves were absent. State officials demanded their location. In May 2025, three adult giraffes moved to Georgia; Valentine died en route, with zoo allies blaming transport stress and state medication practices. July 2025 saw Karl and Gretchen Mogensen convicted of impeding transport through threats to movers, receiving suspended sentences and fines. The zoo valued the four adults at $1 million.
Contempt Ruling Leads to Jail Time
On September 24, 2025, Judge Christopher Russell fined Gretchen Mogensen $1,000 for one contempt charge and ordered her to reveal the calves by October 29 or face 100 days in jail. The Virginia Court of Appeals denied a stay. Mogensen surrendered to Rockbridge Regional Jail on October 29, 2025. As of late December 2025, she serves past the halfway point, with release around February 2026. One giraffe moved earlier in October 2024. The zoo remains shuttered amid an ongoing criminal probe by AG Jason Miyares’ Animal Law Unit.
Federal Lawsuit Challenges State Actions
In December 2025, Mogensen filed a federal lawsuit declaring the calves “non-existent,” making compliance impossible, and accusing the state of a targeted campaign. This contradicts veterinary inspections confirming births. PETA and actress Alicia Silverstone offered a $50,000 reward for calf information, advocating against family separations. Surviving giraffes Jeffrey, Wrinkles, and Little Girl now reside at a Georgia safari park. The grand jury investigation continues.
Overreach Threatens Family Businesses
Conservatives see this as government excess punishing a family for resisting what they view as unfair seizures and impractical orders. The Mogensens defend their breeding history and property rights, raising Fifth Amendment and due process concerns. State officials prioritize court sanctity and animal welfare, blaming the zoo for hiding offspring. Disputes persist over Valentine’s death and calf existence. This case sets potential precedents for roadside zoos, intensifying scrutiny on breeding and transport amid economic losses for locals and the family.
Sources:
WSET: Natural Bridge Zoo owner jailed over missing baby giraffes
Newser: Zoo Owner Jailed Over Missing Giraffes Says They Don’t Exist
