Two giraffe calves, previously missing from the Natural Bridge Zoo, have been safely located, concluding a search that spanned over a year.

The Virginia Office of the Attorney General confirmed their recovery, stating the animals are now receiving care at the Georgia Safari Conservation Park.

The discovery brings an end to a period of uncertainty and legal disputes surrounding the calves' whereabouts.

The Attorney General's office indicated that the animals were found through coordinated enforcement efforts and transferred to a facility equipped to provide specialized care for young giraffes.

Details regarding where the calves were found or how they were moved from the zoo have not been released, as a criminal investigation remains active.

"This outcome reflects the Attorney General's commitment to ensuring public safety, protecting our communities, and accountability for those who break the law," the office stated, emphasizing that the calves are now receiving "proper medical and behavioral support."

Concerns about animal welfare at the Natural Bridge Zoo predated the disappearance of the giraffe calves.

In 2023, state authorities seized 96 animals from the facility due to documented inadequate care and unsafe conditions.

Following these events, zoo owner Gretchen Mogensen was convicted on animal-cruelty charges, serving a 30-day jail sentence and facing restrictions on owning certain species.

The zoo and its four co-owners collectively faced 55 misdemeanor charges related to animal-care violations.

The mystery of the missing giraffe calves emerged in early 2025.

In April of that year, a state investigator and veterinarian reported that while the zoo's two adult giraffes had recently given birth, their newborn calves were absent from the property.

Mogensen declined to provide information when questioned about their location.

State officials noted that there has been no explanation for why the calves were separated from their mothers immediately after birth, a practice contrary to the typical two-year period young giraffes spend with their mothers.

Mogensen's refusal to comply with a court order to disclose the calves' location led to a contempt ruling and a 100-day jail sentence.

She faced another contempt ruling in September 2025 for continuing to withhold information.

As the search extended into 2026, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) joined the effort, partnering with actor and animal-rights advocate Alicia Silverstone to offer a $50,000 reward for information.

The safe return of the giraffe calves is a significant development in this ongoing case, highlighting the persistent efforts to ensure animal welfare and legal accountability.

The Attorney General's office encourages anyone with further information about the illegal movement of the animals to contact them at 804-786-2071.