Zoo

Court Decides Elephants Lack Legal Standing to Initiate Lawsuits for Zoo Release

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Trenton, N.J. — In a unique case that intertwines animal rights with legal boundaries, a New Jersey appeals court ruled that elephants held in captivity do not have the legal standing to effectuate their release through the courts. This decision reaffirms the conventional interpretation of animals’ legal status under U.S. law. The lawsuit was brought forward by the Nonhuman Rights Project on behalf of three elephants — Minnie, Beulah, and Karen — housed at a zoo in Connecticut. They argued that the elephants were “autonomous beings who live extraordinarily complex emotional, social, and intellectual lives,” … Read more

Rockbridge County Jury Deliberates Fate of 100 Animals Seized from Natural Bridge Zoo

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LEXINGTON, Va. – A Rockbridge County jury is now tasked with deciding the fate of 100 zoo animals following a six-day trial at the county’s circuit court. The animals were seized by law enforcement in December from the Natural Bridge Zoo, and the jury must determine whether each animal was cruelly treated or subjected to deprivation of care, leading to a “direct and immediate threat” to their well-being. To prove their case, the county only needs to establish one of these conditions for each animal. Animals that are not proven to have been mistreated beyond … Read more

Contentious Battle for Custody: Virginia’s Natural Bridge Zoo Faces Legal Showdown Over Animal Seizure

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LEXINGTON, Virginia – A custody battle over nearly 100 animals seized from the Natural Bridge Zoo two months ago is ongoing in Rockbridge Circuit Court. The zoo, owned by Karl and Debra “Debbie” Mogensen, had its animals seized after allegations of mistreatment and unsafe conditions surfaced. The case reached the circuit level after a judge ruled for the return of some animals to the zoo in January. Now, a jury of seven citizens, along with two alternates, is hearing evidence regarding the welfare of the seized animals and will decide if the zoo can regain … Read more

Deliberations Continue as Seven Witnesses Testify in Natural Bridge Zoo Animal Cruelty Case

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The jury trial for an animal cruelty case in Rockbridge County, Virginia, is underway, with seven witnesses taking the stand on Tuesday, February 27th. The case, which centers around alleged mistreatment of animals at the Natural Bridge Zoo, has garnered significant attention. Amy Taylor, lead investigator from the office of the attorney general, testified that a tip from PETA prompted the investigation. To ensure impartiality, Taylor recruited a Powhatan County Animal Control Officer who was unfamiliar with the zoo and its employees to conduct an undercover visit. During the trial, Sergeant Christine … Read more