The owners of Natural Bridge Zoo, a roadside attraction in Virginia, are facing criminal charges of animal cruelty and neglect. A jury has been selected to hear the case, which began on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
Zoo Raided by Authorities in December 2023
The case stems from a raid conducted by Virginia State Police and the Attorney General’s Animal Law Unit in December 2023. The authorities executed a search warrant at the zoo, following complaints from animal rights groups and former employees.
During the raid, over 100 animals, both living and dead, were seized from the property. Some of the animals were found in poor physical condition, suffering from infections, parasites, overgrown hooves, and malnutrition. Others were kept in filthy and inadequate enclosures, without proper food, water, shelter, or veterinary care.
Among the animals confiscated were a zebra, a camel, a kangaroo, a lemur, a macaw, and several reptiles and rodents. The most controversial animal was Asha, a 37-year-old elephant, who was the only one of her kind in Virginia. Asha was forced to give rides to visitors, despite having cracked and overgrown toenails, a painful condition that can lead to serious infections.
Zoo Owners Deny Allegations and File Lawsuit
The owners of the zoo, Karl and Deborah Mogensen, have denied any wrongdoing and claimed that they love and care for their animals. They have also filed a federal lawsuit against the state, alleging that the raid was unlawful and violated their constitutional rights.
The Mogensens have accused the state of acting on false and biased information from animal rights activists, who have a vendetta against them. They have also challenged the credibility and qualifications of the state’s witnesses and experts, who testified about the animals’ health and welfare.
The Mogensens have argued that their zoo is licensed and inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and that they have complied with all the federal and state regulations. They have also stated that they have provided adequate veterinary care and enrichment for their animals, and that they have made improvements to their facilities over the years.
Zoo Has a History of Controversy and Violations
The Natural Bridge Zoo, which opened in 1972, has a long history of controversy and violations. The zoo has been the subject of several undercover investigations, lawsuits, protests, and petitions from animal rights groups, such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
The zoo has also been cited and fined by the USDA for multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act, such as failing to provide adequate veterinary care, sanitation, nutrition, and shelter for the animals. The zoo has also been accused of mistreating and exploiting the animals, such as declawing tiger cubs, breeding animals for profit, and allowing public contact with dangerous and exotic animals.
The zoo has been closed to the public since the raid in December 2023. The state has requested the court to revoke the zoo’s license and to permanently rehome the seized animals to reputable sanctuaries and rescue facilities. The trial is expected to last for several days, and the jury will decide the fate of the zoo and its owners.
