In a daring escape, 43 rhesus macaque monkeys broke free from Alpha Genesis, a primate research facility in Yemassee, South Carolina. The monkeys, young females weighing around six to seven pounds each, took advantage of an open enclosure door left by a new employee. Now, the community is on high alert as authorities strive to capture the elusive primates.
The Yemassee Police Department is working alongside Alpha Genesis staff to locate and secure the escaped monkeys. Using food and traps with thermal imaging, search teams are actively pursuing the animals. Residents have been advised to lock doors and windows to prevent unintended encounters.
It’s essential for the public not to approach or try to capture any monkeys they encounter. The monkeys are skittish and may behave unpredictably if startled. Yemassee Town Administrator Matthew Garnes emphasized maintaining a safe distance from the monkeys, assuring that they are not aggressive but warning against approaching them.
Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard expressed frustration over the incident, attributing the escape to a new employee’s mistake. Established in 1964, Alpha Genesis supplies primates for biomedical research on critical health issues like cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
PETA raised concerns about the monkeys potentially carrying diseases despite Alpha Genesis’ assurances of being “specific-pathogen-free.” Dr. Lisa Jones-Engel from PETA highlighted that SPF status does not guarantee the monkeys are free of dangerous diseases. She called for the closure of Alpha Genesis, alleging mistreatment of monkeys and posing risks to public safety.
This escape incident has sparked debates about the facility’s security measures and raised questions about the primate research industry’s operations. As authorities continue their efforts to recapture the monkeys, the community remains vigilant, hoping for a safe resolution to this unexpected event.