Target: Jay Jones, Virginia Attorney General
Goal: Support investigation into disappearance and rescue of giraffes born at Natural Bridge Zoo.
The tragic sage of Natural Bridge Zoo, as outlined in this ForceChange petition, finally has an optimistic and hopeful development. Two giraffe calves born at the zoo who had been missing and unaccounted for have been rescued following a year-plus-long search. After the six-foot-tall giraffes were found in Georgia, they were relocated to the state’s Georgia Safari Conservation Park: a licensed facility where the calves have received veterinary care.
The discovery of the giraffes puts to rest one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the controversial zoo that saw dozens of animals confiscated and animal neglect and cruelty charges subsequently filed against the facility’s owners. When authorities initially went back for the pregnant giraffes, the animals had given birth, but the calves were nowhere on the premises. An owner of the zoo, who had been convicted of animal cruelty, reportedly refused to disclose the locations of the young animals, earning her more time in jail. Investigators feared the calves had been lost to the exotic animal trade, but their rescue led to a much happier outcome. The criminal investigation into the giraffes’ disappearance is ongoing, which could possibly lead to more charges.
Sign the petition below to thank the Virginia attorney general’s office and its investigators for remaining vigilant in cracking this case.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Attorney General Jones,
The discovery, rescue, and relocation of two giraffe calves taken from the notorious Natural Bridge Zoo marks a positive end to a 14-month-long journey for justice. While details understandably remain scarce due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, the news that that these innocent animals are safe and cared for is welcome indeed. And this office’s announced intention to continue pursuing charges for any criminal wrongdoing is likewise heartening.
Thank you for exercising due diligence in this horrific case and for helping ensure that vulnerable living beings have a chance at new and better lives free from exploitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Yaraliz Vazquez
