The clean up process started early Tuesday morning in the Halifax County of Scotland Neck after dozens of wildlife killed during a massive crude oil spill.

Officials say the spill happened Monday and ran adjacent to the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park, which houses thousands of exotic birds and amphibians. The Environmental Protection Agency, as well as, park officials were on scene desperatley trying to clean up the oil and rescue the trapped wildlife.

Investigators say they have 3 suspects in custody right now, no word on if the spill was intentional. Park Director, Mike Lubbock says there is no telling how many turtles, birds and other wildlife the spill destroyed.

Portions of the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park had to close down, due to clean up efforts. Officials say the spill may have leaked from 2 above ground tanks owned by the Beasley's Lumber Company. The company closed 15 years ago.

Original Story:

Staff at Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park in Scotland Neck are cleaning thick, black oil from turtles and birds living in a creek that runs through the Park after the creek was contaminated some time during the night by waste oil. The creek runs into an adjacent wetland.

Sylvan Heights Executive Director, Mike Lubbock says, "This is a potential tragedy we're working very hard to mitigate. As we do, it's important that we show people how easily and quickly a resource that benefits all of us can be severely damaged for generations."

The contamination was discovered early Monday morning. So far, the spill does not threaten Sylvan Heights' captive birds or exhibits and the Park will be open to visitors as scheduled.

The cause, source and magnitude of the spill are still under investigation and efforts to contain the spill continue.