ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VA (CvilleRightNow) — A Rockbridge County jury reached a verdict on an animal cruelty case involving Natural Bridge Zoo on Tuesday, March 5. After 1o hours of deliberation following a six-day trial, jurors granted Rockbridge County custody of 71 animals.

“Virginians support clean, safe environments for animals, whether they be personal pets or zoo animals. We are grateful for the jury’s thorough deliberation and thank our law enforcement partners for their assistance in ensuring the future welfare of these animals,” said Attorney General Miyares.

The granted animals include:

  • 4 Giraffes
  • 17 Capuchins
  • 14 Tortoises
  • 3 Pythons
  • 1 Skink
  • 1 Mini Donkey
  • 14 Macaws
  • 1 Gibbon
  • 6 Cotton-Topped Tamarins
  • 3 Ground Hornbills
  • 6 Turtles
  • 1 Dog

Post-trial motions are scheduled for April 4. The Office of the Attorney General commented no further, as the criminal investigation remains open and ongoing.