The attempts to capture and transport the Natural Bridge Zoo's remaining three female giraffes have been live-streamed on the park's Facebook page, and will continue to be streamed, presumably until they have moved all the giraffes off site.
This case is shrouded in a cloud of mystery and complexity, with, in my opinion, all parties involved obscuring evidence to attempt to better cement their claims and rights to the animals. However, what is clear and documented via footage is the gross mishandling by Virginia's ALU and their approved animal transport company and consultants approved by the State.
First while attempting to restrain and transport the male giraffe Jeffery, state-sponsored consultants put considerable stress on the male and forced him to run through gates and paddock fencing, culminating in him breaking off a section of his hoof before finally being loaded on a trailer.
The capture team returned on May 19th to begin the process of capturing and transporting the females, they failed in this task for over 8 hours on the 19th, using various methods which I would consider to be sub-optimal at best, they returned on the 20th, and after four hours they succeded in loading the first of three females set to leave the park. The way this transfer is taking place in my opinion, is quite irresponsible. The State and its agents have had over 500 days to prepare for this. I would certainly say that the way this transfer is being handled is going to leave a lasting negative impact on these giraffes, both physically and psychologically.
I am not expressing my opinions on the Natural Bridge Zoo or the case at large, quite frankly, because the evidence and process have been disappointing, especially from the State which carries the burden of proof and propriety. However, the care and process, both through records and seen on camera from the State, particularly the ALU and its agents, is distressing.
