Animals Confiscated As Investigation Continues At Natural Bridge Zoo

11:30 a.m. Thursday - According to the owners of the Natural Bridge Zoo and a posting from the Virginia Animal Alliance, a number of animals were confiscated by the state yesterday and last night.

Also, the 12-year-old tiger Zeus, was ethanized, according to the Virginia Animal Alliance posting. The posting also stated that the "raid team" set up stadium lights at the back of the park last night as animals were confiscated.

10 a.m. Wednesday - The Virginia State Police is assisting the Office of the Attorney General with conducting an investigative search warrant at the Natural Bridge Zoo this morning, according to a spokesman for the state police.

A number of state police vehicles and animal trailers are being seen at the zoo.

The News-Gazette reached out to the attorney general’s office this morning, which gave the following comment: “The Office of the Attorney General Animal Law Unit offers support and prosecution of animal cruelty cases upon request of a local commonwealth’s attorney or law enforcement agency.  Because this is an ongoing criminal investigation, we cannot comment further.”

Jared Moon, the commonwealth’s attorney for Lexington and Rockbridge County, said that he was unable to comment on a pending investigation.

The News-Gazette will provide updates as more information becomes available.