It's sad that the wallaby was sick. The rest of the story is just a tragedy on so many levels. My kids and I enjoy the Reston Zoo.

What a disrespect to the wallaby! What comes around goes around mrs director-Would you like to be euthanized, put in a garbage bag and dumped in the trash like garbage? Hope she is fired for this cruelty to animals.

This made me sick to my stomach when I read the story. IF the allegation is true, not only should she be fired, but criminal charges assessed as well. Please keep us informed on this Karen as more information becomes available.

When I volunteered at the ASPCA (was years ago) that was how they put animals down daily. They gave a shot, then trash bag and dumpster.

It should be easy to determine if the wallaby was euthanized or drowned if the police follow through with this investigation with a necropsy. Either way, I can not imagine that it is legal to dispose of a dead animal (especially one that was reportedly sick) in that manner. I used to volunteer at a small private zoo and I know that resources are very limited, but that is no excuse for unprofessional and unethical behavior.

Unless this director steps down, I will never take my kids to this zoo again. By patronizing this zoo, it is supporting animal cruelty. Her lie was exposed and then she opened up another problem with uncontrolled substances. Horrible.

My thought is the employee who blew the whistle is a hero. Too many people turn a blind eye to animal cruelty. Thank God for people like you. I can speak for my Church. We are very proud of you. The Director should be so ashamed.

Anyone know if the employee quit his or her job . Or was fired by reporting this. My bet would be they quit.

It seems a bit premature to demand the head of the director or to boycott the zoo. An investigation should be conducted to confirm that proper procedures are being followed. We do not know if the director did indeed drown the animal or if the employee just believed that was the case. My personal dealings with the zoo are that the people that work there do so for their love of animals.

ooo

I am proud to be a local resident and a member of a country that promotes free speech and all that it entails. However, there are some rather strong OPINIONS being posted on here that are based completely on hearsay and a sensationalized news piece in an otherwise slow news period. Citizens are quick to condemn and demand "justice" for a situation that they are completely ill informed of. As in all cases, there is more than one interpretation of events. We should have all of the facts before making such decisions as to who is a hero and who is supposed criminal.

I don't necessarily have more information pertaining to this situation, but I have unfortunately been involved in a case involving news media and the misquoting that goes along with it. I don't know what happened at the Zoo. I do know that in my situation incorrect news was leaked by disgruntled employees which led to a public outcry. It damaged my business and took quite a while to handle. When the facts were finally told, it was more than clear who was in the right. However in the process my family and friends were drug through the mud erroneously.

I have already stated my previous experience with matters like this. Facts are statements that can be proven correct or incorrect. My disgruntled former employee supplied "facts" to local entities. The local entities didn't check these "facts" and acted in a sensationalized manner. The "facts" the local entities provided in their documents were stretched even further from the employees "facts". When the media obtained these "facts" they were mispronounced, misquoted and even further twisted leading the general uninformed public to generalize and misinterpret even further. It was a rather unfortunate real life game of telephone.

In the end the local entities and former employee were forced to pay restitution for libel and slander. I do not know what is involved here, I am stating that until you handle a situation like this, you should consider other possibilities.

For example:

Fact: Not authorized to euthanize: WE DON'T KNOW WHO IS AUTHORIZED OR ANYTHING RELATED TO THIS. MY FIRST QUESTION IS WHY WAS IT EUTHANIZED? WAS IT DYING FROM SEVERE OR OTHER TRAUMA'S? WE ARE BASING THIS ON A REPORTERS INFORMATION, NOT A FINDING OF AN INVESTIGATION.

Fact: Drugs found that the zoo was not certified to have: AGAIN WE DON'T KNOW WHO IS CERTIFIED TO HAVE WHAT AND ARE PURELY LISTENING TO THE REPORTERS "INTERPRETATION".

Fact: A very wet animal was found: WE DON'T KNOW WHO FOUND THIS ANIMAL OR WHY IT WAS WET. IT'S A ZOO, ANY NUMBER OF THINGS COULD HAVE HAPPENED.

Fact: a 5 gallon bucket next to a spigot was found: AGAIN, ITS A ZOO. EVERY TIME I GO TO A ZOO I SEE BUCKETS AND HOSES EVERYWHERE.

Fact: She disposed of the carcass incorrectly: I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE CORRECT MANNER IS FOR DISPOSING OF AN ANIMAL IS. SOMEONE COMMENTED EARLIER THAT THE SPCA AND OTHER ANIMAL SHELTERS DO THE SAME THING THOUGH.

I have watched the report and simply stated how they could have been misinterpreted. You should also not be so naive to think that Law Enforcement are correct in everything that they do. Well intentioned yes, but definitely not always correct or infallible.

Let's face it Concerned resident just doesn't get it. Why would Concerned resident think it's a disgruntled employee?( And my goodness the same thing happend to them. What this smells of Concerned resident is you work at the zoo. Good for the empioyee who blew the whistle. Maybe now the animals will be treated better. And a pet farm has no business trying to be a zoo. Anyone know if the zoo even had a vet.

Okay, so something was clearly wrong at the Reston Zoo. But I have to take issue with the way some of you are jumping all over "Concerned Resident." A couple things bother me here:
There is an inconsistency in the statements of facts. The employee claimed the wallaby had been DROWNED, but the director stated it had been DRUGGED. This discrepancy alone shows that we don't have all the facts yet. Actually, contrary to what some of you stated, the director did dispute the 'fact' presented by the employee, and now we're not sure which (if either) is the whole truth.

Granted, either way, it's disturbing. If the animal was suffering, they should have called in a licensed veterinarian to euthanize it properly. However, this leads to my second (and greater) concern. Just because it was euthanized on-site by a non-licensed person does NOT automatically mean that there was abuse involved. This could have been just a case of poor - and I mean POOOOOOOR - judgment on the part of a worker who wanted to end an animal's pain. Without actual proof of abuse, I think some of you have gone too far.

Bottom line... so far athe only thing 'proven' by the (inconsistent) facts is a lack of ethical judgment and professionalism, which is not the same thing as abuse. I would like to know more before making that leap.

****and I mean POOOOOOOR - judgment on the part of a worker**** Well, here we have another zoo defender that doesn't read. The culprit was not a worker, rather THE DIRECTOR of the zoo. You know, like the Director of the CIA, Director of Acquisitions, etc. whose job it is to set an example for the "workers" and lead and direct them in their daily duties. You are not made a Director on a whim, you work your way up to that position through training, learning and hands on experience. To simply state that it was poor judgement by a worker is a gross understatement.

As for your other fact that the animal was drugged - let's accept that and then go to the Director's statement that she washed the animal so than she can put it in a garbage bag and throw it in a dumpster. I have had several dogs that needed to be euthanized due to declining health/old age and I know for a fact that the several Vets that I have used do not wash an animal after being euthanized. The major facts are in, the Director stuck this poor animals head in a bucket of water and killed it by drowning and threw it in a dumpster in a garbage bag - that is cruelty.

Before you head to the zoo with your pitchforks and torches, let's hear the results of the investigation. Patch did a good job bringing this to our attention. I'm sure they'll keep up updated. The zoo's closed for the winter anyway, so a boycott won't make much of an impact before it opens March 10.

I have to agree and defend the zoo. WUSA is a struggling news orginization. The original story seemed sensationalized. The fact that they didn't name the employee probably had to do with not wanting to get sued for reporting damaging theories.

What experience does FFX county have with the care of exotic animals? I'm guessing none. The fact that the zoo wasn't allowed to have certain drugs may have more to do with over zealous county regulations.

I can't imagine that the staff of Reston Zoo doesn't care about their animals. I'm sure te decision to put down a sick ward wasn't easy, but it was likely the humane thing to do.

What do you expect them to do with the carcas. Guess what, your vet will throw your dogs body in the trash if you have to euthanize the animal. What do you think happens?

Has the March to the Zoo with Pitchforks and Torches been scheduled yet? I own a pitchfork and that sounds kinda fun.

The Association Of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) certifies institutions as meeting their standards. Check the website of the zoo that you are planning to visit for the AZA accreditation Visit the AZA website for accreditation status and to find a zoo near you.

FACT: NBC, ABC, Channel 8 and CBS are all reporting on this story.

Wow, I didn't see nearly this level of hostility and outrage when Grandma threw her granddaughter over the rail at Tysons.

Someone please defend the illegal drugs that the zoo had that all the other news outlets are reporting. You know why you haven't? Because you can't.

I used to work there. If an allegation like this was made, most likely its true. The director does whatever she can to get by. They have disposed of many animals via regular trash before. The employees are very well trained and have complained before. The director OS the owners daughter. This is not the only zoo they own. The zoo at natural bridge and one in Florida. What ive seen go on at the zoo here makes me wonder what's going on at the other ones. I loved the wallaby.

One thing I learned from this story....Zoo Opens March 10th, can't wait to go there with my Kid!

darn.....such misplaced passion!

Jane Watrel did the story last night NBC Channel 4 they just posted it to the web page.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Dead-Wallaby-Leads-to-Investigation-139926083.html

Raul,
Man - calm down - okay you are passionate; I am too about this. Let us not get into a contest of wits with others in the community. Others may post things you disagree with and that is okay to rebut. Just don't call people out till they call you out. Starting to loose focus on the article and I hope soon more information will come out. I am sure Karen has her ear to the ground on this one. It is a hot issue and one that is very emotional for many. You are a good person we can see that from your passion, just don't let your passion cloud your ability to look at all angles. Richard H. is a very intelligent and active poster on the patch. Why I may not agree with everything I do respect is perspective. Stay calm more information will be forthcoming I am sure!

Just chiming in to say the zoo is not commenting right now. Since there has been debate over whether something illegal did or did not occur, I will say this: There was a search warrant, so obviously, police thought there was enough evidence to check it out. However, no one has been arrested or convicted, so for now, the warrant is the only side of the story we know. When more facts and perspectives become available, we will of course report them.

I have worked at the zoo and EVERYONE treats the animals like family there. This is unfortunate that it happened, but worse things are happening other places. I love animals, but how about you focus on a real problem in the world and not harass a local zoo? Join the fight against something that is a bigger problem.

For all reading this- I can say from PERSONAL EXPERIENCE that animal cruelty and such means are the director's preference to solving issues quickly. I've seen with my own eyes as an employee there when the director called the vet to check on a sick camel and prior to the vet arriving the director gave the camel a large dose of sedative. Thus when the vet arrived, neglecting to be informed of the prior medication that had been issued the animal passed due to an overdose. A quick and easy way to dispose of a problem or so the director seems to think. If there's anything I've learned working there it's that there seems to no respect for the animals they so proudly have on display and that many creatures pass painfully or unwillinging in tortuous ways. If I have to drive to DC to go to the zoo so be it- this place is a disaster and the director should be jailed for inhumane treatment of animals.

Anyone else who comments on this matter without being an actual employee - you all have no ideas of the atrocities occurring at the zoo. The director, Megan is by far the least humane person I've ever met... Do you think that of she treats her own staff like crap that she will even bother with the animals? All I have to say is PETA should be involved because finally some light has been brought to the subject and action needs to be taken.

Last comment- did you all know that they carry sedatives that by STATE LAW require a permit to carry and the Reston zoo doesn't have those licenses? Ah, the truth is coming out folks and it isn't pretty... Do away with this nonsense, give the animals a great life and lock her up!

Dear God Heather - Please call and speak with the investigator - PLEASE! Your first hand accounts regarding the activities at this zoo would be very valuable to the investigation!! Karen - maybe you could reach out to her for a interview? Keep us in the loop!

Deborah - I reached out to Jane at 4 and this was her email to me, so I would say probably not going to be out here. )-:

Hi Scott,

Thanks for writing. It was a tough story to do, given neither the zoo
nor Fairfax County officials would go on camera. Fairfax officials are
still investigating.

We will continue to follow this, but if you see or hear anything, please
write to me at this email.

Have a great weekend,

Jane

I also asked her to read Heather's posting that was some 5 days ago I sent it to her and did not hear back - so that is not too encouraging to keep this in the spotlight till resolution to the many questions that still exist.

The employee in question was the owners daughter, so she won't get fired. Tells you something.

OK,

There are a lot of blatantly incendiary comments on here posted by ex-employees of the Zoo. These ex employees are the same individuals who were responsible for several disciplinary actions regarding their own carelessness towards animals. Before they could be told to leave, guess what, they left. They are just smart enough to leave before getting fired but not intelligent enough to keep self incriminating information private. As a result, they will pay the price later.

These are individuals who as employees had the worst work ethic and did not actually try. We all know what it's like to work with some one like that. This type of attitude usually goes hand in hand with a sense of "not me" or blaming everyone else for their problems. Of course anyone who calls this to their attention is the bad guy. Unfortunately this situation turned rather venomous.

I am not an employee, but I do have enough respect to still keep the few individuals names who are responsible for the comments on here and misleading the media/government agencies private. They have obviously not done the same. However, they know who they are and what they have done and one day things have a way of coming around.

I will say that some of the events in this whole saga are directly attributable to the person in charge of the animals, a woman ( incorrectly reported to the media as a man). There IS actual evidence of transgressions by her. Funny, now she's trying to get a job with animal welfare...

(((((They are just smart enough to leave before getting fired but not intelligent enough to keep self incriminating information private. As a result, they will pay the price later)))))).((((( they know who they are and what they have done and one day things have a way of coming around)))))). INFORMED BYSTANDER. The way I see this is that you need to be watched by the police. This all sounds like threat's to the ex employees and I would bet you are very close to the Zoo. I hope the ex employees are watching their back's.

OMG was that a death threat by INFORMED BYSTANDER?!?! That is crazy. You need to relax. Its a petting zoo, not even a real zoo. Its suppose to be fun not something we threaten to kill our neighbors over. Stay classy, we know you are better then this.

Obviously I am close enough to know the actual events. By laying the price-I mean literally paying the price for libel and slander. The latter quote refers to the golden rule, not a threat. Eventually people who blame others and sluff by do it in the wrong place and suffer the consequences, whatever they may be. Just imagine how you would feel if wrongfully accused by your "peers" because you were actually working and they couldn't float anymore.

Informed Bystander needs to take an English class, his/her comments are very difficult to read and understand...There is no slander or libel here. I imagine the truth will come out in court. We have already been presented with several facts that are more than concerning about the treatment of the animals at the Reston Zoo.

Karen can you do a follow up with Fairfax County??????????

Thank you Karen for your answer. I do hope the ex employees are watching their back. Some like((( Informed bystander))) sound like they have a vengeance against the ex employess.

Any updates on the Zoo?????????????????

This is horrible. My little sister went there 2 weeks ago and she said an employee literally ran over on of the animals during the wagon ride and simply shrugged it off with a "whoops." Didn't even stop to see if the animal was injured.