While the doses made for Mary Piper and Subject Zero, boosted with stem cells donated by Chel, the scientists were studying how Subject Zero was able to basically resurrect himself, and pass it on to Mary. What was discovered was somehow both surprising and not surprising.
Due to improper disposal of many things that are better off not mentioned here, sewer water/sludge often becomes radioactive. The mild radiation that was beneath Lyre and Animalia (which many conspiracy theorists pointed to Area 51, though it wasn't close enough to actually do so) caused the then unstable virus to mutate and sent its regenerative capabilities into overdrive. However, its overdrive healing had a tendency to steal nutrients from other parts of the body, causing it's shrinking capabilities.
With these preliminary notes, the scientists began the uplifting project. During the uplifting process, both Mary and Subject Zero both shot up to 7 feet tall, even, and went up to heavyweight bodybuilder build, while Mary developed the Amazonian curves that most Animalians were known for. Using MRI brain scans, both of Mary and Subject Zero (though he now called himself Jack) before uplifting, after uplifting, and of current uplifted rats of the same species. The general result showed that both mental defects and disabilities in both Jack and Mary were fixed, but they would still require therapy in order to become functional members of Animalia Society.
After that, the offspring that had been found with Jack and Mary, were next to be uplifted. The current virus was able to "complete" the uplifting process, fix any birth defects that had been present before, and open their minds to a brand new world. Fortunately, the acclimation classes that had been developed in the early part of Animalia society helped everyone get used to their new status, learn about Animalia, and get them ready for a wider world beyond the continuous orgies that they knew originally. Fortunately, the scientists were able to commission a kind of communal building to house the new Piper Clan. But until it was complete, they were allowed to stay in their nests.
While there was still a lot to learn, both Jack (formerly Subject Zero) and Mary still had to answer to their crime of kidnapping and conspiracy. With Heather's trial being a prime example of what a trial featuring an Animalian would entail, there would still be new things that had resulted from what had been uncovered.