A criminal investigation has been initiated by authorities into the Natural Bridge Zoo in Rockbridge County, western Virginia, resulting in the removal of over 100 animals, both alive and deceased, from the facility.
The New York Post disclosed that a warrant was executed at the zoo on Wednesday, leading to the extraction of 89 living animals and the retrieval of 28 deceased ones.
The investigation is being conducted by the Virginia State Police in collaboration with the office of Attorney General Jason Miyares. The warrant indicated that the probe was initiated due to allegations of animal mistreatment at the zoo.
The Natural Bridge Zoo was previously the subject of an undercover investigation eight years ago, concerning similar accusations of animal abuse. The Humane Society of the United States publicized the details of the investigation through a YouTube video, which has since garnered over 1.3 million views.
Victoria LaCivita, a spokesperson for Miyares, communicated via an email on Friday, stating, Animal Law Unit offers support and prosecution of animal cruelty cases upon request of a local Commonwealths Attorney or law enforcement agency. Because this is an ongoing criminal investigation, we cannot comment further.
The Daily News reported that the animals seized from the zoo included a variety of species such as macaws, pythons, lemurs, and llamas. A tiger, which was among the animals removed, was reportedly euthanized following a medical examination.
Despite the allegations of animal mistreatment, Debbie Morgensen, who operates the zoo with her husband, Karl, expressed her belief that the legal action taken against her establishment was unjust. Morgensen's attorney, Mario Williams, echoed her sentiments, labeling the seizure of the animals as "an abuse of authority," and vowed to contest the action.
The details of the alleged animal abuse emerged after an employee-turned-informant reported widespread mistreatment of the animals within the zoo. The informant alleged that an elephant was forced to stand and sleep in her own urine, was chained, and subjected to cold baths. The elephant was also reportedly "jabbed" by the caretaker as a means of intimidation, as reported by the Daily News.
One affidavit highlighted a particularly disturbing incident, stating, The most alarming issue was a deceased goat in the African Pygmy Goat exhibit. This deceased goat remained there for over an hour unnoticed by staff and by the time we left was bloated and stiff.
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