The Sodor Animal Park was forced to close it’s gates by the Sudrian Government after it was discovered that a team of scientists had been experimenting illegally on live animals in their captivity.
This information was leaked after one of the Elephants they had experimented on escaped from the underground facility in which it was being held, prompting investigations by both the Government and ordinary citizens.
“These animals have been cruelly mutilated and modified to look like the engines of the North Western Railway.” The Mayor of Sodor explained during a press conference this morning. “Thanks to the investigations by Sodor’s Secret Service and a few online sleuths, we have been able to find documents and files that may help us return these poor animals to normal.”
The first sightings of the Elephant were published on Twitter by a passenger on Daisy the Diesel Railcar. After his pictures got a fair number of likes, one YouTube Urban Explorer broke into the secret underground facility and recorded the whole thing. This was followed up by someone claiming to be a disgruntled Animal Park employee leaking several images and documents detailing the genetic modification process on Twitter.
“Sadly, some of the animals will never be able to live normal lives or be free of the pain.” Explained a scientist who was hired to return the animals to normal. “Some will be put down to end their suffering while others will be permanently rehoused to rehabilitation facilities.”
It is unknown what will replace the now defunct Animal Park.
Thomas News Network 