(Rockbridge County, VA) -- The Natural Bridge Zoo in Rockbridge County is under new ownership and management. Sara Bartlett has the details.Preview: Voicer Script:
In a statement on their Facebook page, zoo officials said the park will be "operating from a different approach" and that there will be "more innovative and interactive experiences." No further details were given about the new ownership. One of the major changes according to officials is the absence of Asha, one of the zoo's elephants, who has retired and now lives in a sanctuary. This all comes after the zoo faced scrutiny over its treatment of animals. Last year, Virginia State Police and the Attorney General's Office seized more than 70 animals and the state ruled that they were justified in doing so. The Natural Bridge Zoo is now open for the season.