June 25--RESTON, Va. -- Fairfax police have arrested the director of the popular Reston Zoo after a five-month investigation that began with the suspicious death of a wallaby.
Meghan Mogensen, 26, of Silver Spring was charged with animal cruelty and possession of a controlled substance Friday, police said.
An investigation began after the death of an adult wallaby at the zoo at 1228 Hunter Mill Road in January. According to a search warrant affidavit, an employee complained that the wallaby -- which was sick and had been put in a crate for treatment -- was later found wet and dead in a trash bag. An empty crate was found beside a bucket of water, the affidavit said.
The zoo's director told police that she euthanized the wallaby with proper veterinary drugs, but the zoo doesn't have license to use those drugs, the affidavit said.
In a news release, police said the investigation is ongoing.
Animal Control Officers are working jointly with state and federal agencies to make sure "proper protocols involving humane animal euthanasia, treatment and practices are used."
Reston Zoo is a popular local attraction for school field trips.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail atwww.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text "TIP187" plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Copyright 2012 - News & Messenger, Manassas, Va.
