Virginia's Natural Bridge Zoo Faces Animal Cruelty Investigation

Nearly 120 animals seized and 28 found dead; owners deny allegations and plan to challenge any permanent seizure.

Nearly 120 animals were seized from the Natural Bridge Zoo in Virginia as part of an animal cruelty investigation. The animals included sacred ibises, white-faced capuchins, tortoises, Burmese pythons, and a white Bengal tiger that had to be euthanized.
28 dead animals were also found at the zoo, including an alligator, a mandrill, and a green-winged macaw. The cause of their deaths has not been disclosed.
Animal rights groups have long criticized the zoo, particularly for the treatment of an elephant named Asha, who was reportedly found standing in her own waste due to being chained and unable to move.
No charges have been filed against the zoo officials to date, but a hearing is scheduled for December 20 to determine the fate of the seized animals and examine allegations of mistreatment of four giraffes at the zoo.
The zoo's owners, Debbie and Karl Mogensen, deny the allegations of abuse and neglect and plan to challenge any permanent seizure of the animals.