Virginia Baby Giraffes Missing—Reward Offered

Virginia Attorney General Law Unit wants to hear from anyone who knows the whereabouts of the 8-month old giraffes.

by Alexandria Living Magazine Staff Nov. 21, 2025 9:41 a.m.


Giraffe stock photo
Photo courtesy of Pixabay

After two baby giraffes vanished earlier this year from the Natural Bridge Zoo in Virginia, their disappearance has sparked a search—and now caught the attention of Hollywood animal advocate Alicia Silverstone.

The roadside zoo is located in Natural Bridge, Va., about three hours southwest of Alexandria.

Silverstone, a bestselling author, actor and longtime PETA supporter, is offering up to $50,000 for information leading to the calves’ location. The zoo’s manager, Gretchen Mogensen, recently chose to serve 100 days in jail rather than comply with a court order requiring her to disclose where the young giraffes were taken.

Authorities believe the calves were removed from their mothers shortly after birth. A judge and jury had previously found the adult giraffes were cruelly treated, awarding custody of them to the state. Anyone with information on the calves’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Virginia Office of the Attorney General’s Animal Law Unit at (804) 786-2071.

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