Forty-three monkeys broke free from a medical research facility in South Carolina, but the police chief assured the public that there is minimal risk. Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander stated that the monkeys, Rhesus macaques, are not carriers of any diseases and are harmless. The primates, which are young females weighing about 7 pounds each, have not been used for testing.
The escape occurred when a new employee at the Alpha Genesis facility failed to properly secure an enclosure. The company is currently working to lure the monkeys back with food. Although typically escapes are handled on-site, these monkeys managed to get about a mile away from downtown Yemassee.
Authorities advise residents to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent the monkeys from seeking shelter indoors. If spotted, individuals are urged to contact 911 so that the company and police can safely capture them. Alpha Genesis, located northeast of Savannah, Georgia, specializes in providing primates for research purposes worldwide.
In the past, Alpha Genesis has faced fines for similar incidents, including escapes in 2014 and 2016. Animal rights group Stop Animal Exploitation Now has called for an investigation into the facility’s practices. The group believes that the carelessness leading to the monkeys’ escape not only endangered the animals but also posed a risk to the South Carolina community.
As the situation unfolds, Alpha Genesis is implementing traps and thermal imaging cameras to recapture the escaped monkeys. The company has not responded to inquiries about the recent escape. It is crucial for the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the monkeys to ensure their safe return to the facility.
