SEATTLE -- The former executive director of Wolf Haven in Tenino is now facing 35 violations of the Federal Animal Welfare Act.

This long-awaited and sweeping action comes three years after KIRO Team 7 Investigators first exposed some cruel conditions at the wildlife sanctuary.

The case centers on a 15-year old grey wolf named Akela. KIRO Team 7 Investigators found him near death, lying in an icy pen just after New Year’s 2005. Videotape of the animal and vet care documents we obtained then, were reviewed by an administrative law judge in a courtroom near Olympia this week.

Former Wolf Haven director, Susan Sergojan had no comment when we approached with our camera during a break at the hearing.

She faces multiple animal care violations connected with her failure to allow a vet to euthanize this extremely sick wolf. According to US Department of Agriculture documents, Sergojan "failed to ensure, impeded, or prevented .. veterinary care to a dying wolf, thereby prolonging its suffering."

Staff testimony and internal Wolf Haven log books indicate that on January 5th, 2005, a vet ordered Akela humanely euthanized. The wolf was diagnosed with complete kidney failure. That was a Wednesday. Akela was still lying in a muddy, sub-freezing outdoor kennel, barely alive, on Monday January 10th. That was six days after the vets order.

A key witness to Sergojan's role in Akela's lack-of-care is Dr. Jerry Brown, Wolf Haven's veternarian for two decades. In this never before seen interview with Brown, he tells KIRO Team 7 Investigators that Sergojan twice blocked his attempts to end Akela's suffering.

“It was a call that had to be made and it’s an unfortunate outcome, but it's a wolf in captivity who counts on me to make that decision. I felt it was a total quality of life issue. Her (Sergojan’s) belief was that it wasn't. That's fine. My belief after working with the animals 20 plus years was that it was time.”

The judge hearing the Wolf Haven case this week put a gag order on witnesses, but the formal proceedings are expected to wrap up Friday. If a judge finds fault against Sergojan on all counts, she faces fines that could exceed 96-thousand dollars.

One final note: Wolf Haven has new management and a new director. USDA inspectors say the operation is currently in full compliance.

Investigative Reporter Chris Halsne revisited Wolf Haven to see for himself the improvements. We will post the video Friday, along with all of our investigations into Wolf Haven.