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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Justin Rohrlich

Missing baby giraffes were allegedly hidden with help from federal informant

  • Two baby giraffes vanished from Virginia 's Natural Bridge Zoo in April 2025, triggering a federal investigation and a $50,000 reward from actress Alicia Silverstone.
  • A federal informant, Patrick Robinson, tasked with assisting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), allegedly undermined the investigation by sharing sensitive information with a zoo insider.
  • FWS agents discovered Robinson's alleged double-crossing after reviewing his phone, which revealed shared FWS communications and a voicemail from the zoo insider discussing moving the giraffes.
  • Natural Bridge Zoo owner Gretchen Mogensen was jailed for 100 days for refusing to disclose the giraffes' location, and she and others were later charged with numerous counts of animal cruelty and forgery.
  • The two baby giraffes were finally located and rehomed in Georgia in June 2026, though details remain undisclosed due to an ongoing criminal investigation, and Robinson has not been charged.

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