araucaria genius no. 66

[shorthorn]

Can anyone give me a clue to the theme for the across clues in this one ?

Thanks

[ivanhoe]

There is no theme. You have to solve the clue which should have one of three lettered animals inside the solution which you swap for one of the other three

[rainblue]

Am struggling with this myself.
Find an animal in your answer which is part of clue then change to another animal which qualifies the other part of clue. Then change again to one of the other two animals not already utilised forming a non word to satisfy the down clues. Example 1D Supplier of drinks--BrEWEry. change EWE for ASS making BrASS -ry money on Railway. Changing again to PIG allows 3D to be Geodesist

9A answer uP I Go change PIG to ASS giving uasso, a run on in other part of clue.
I'm told the other animal is CAT so 2D could be Plaza but I don't know why.
Best of luck. Don't let it spoil your Christmas.

[shorthorn]

So the answers are non words ?
Not like the greatest compiler.

[bathtub]

I'm afraid I've decided life is too short to be bothered with this one. It's very disappointing, I think.

[ivanhoe]

Thank you Rainblue for pointing out the need for a second substitution. I've solved thepuzzle now. Not all that difficult
Still puzzled over plaza but it does mean a bullring as well as a square and is there not a duke of Plaza in Shakespeare or was a plaza a ducal courtyard?
Araucaria is one of the most interesting compilers. It would have taken some skill to have contrived this one. Don't be lazy you others