Natural Bridge Zoo Trials Begin | Roanoke News

The Natural Bridge Zoo is in the legal spotlight as three Mogensen family members face a ten-day trial starting February 8, 2027, on multiple animal abuse charges stemming from a 2023 raid. Meanwhile, veterinarian Ashley Spencer has her own two-day March trial for allegedly forging documents, and former elephant keeper Mark Easley faces a three-day animal abuse trial right after. Court drama erupted recently when defense attorneys attempted to dismiss charges, but Judge Christopher Russell firmly rejected most motions — though he agreed to revisit two specific indictments against Spencer. With the prosecution led by the attorney general’s animal unit, these trials promise to be lengthy and high-stakes for everyone connected to the zoo. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/09020d3dde567c3c