43 Monkeys Flee South Carolina Research Facility

Law enforcement officials are searching for 43 monkeys that fled a research facility in South Carolina. The escape occurred after a keeper reportedly left their enclosure open. These rhesus macaque primates escaped from Alpha Genesis, a company specializing in breeding primates for medical testing and research, and are currently at large in the Lowcountry region of the state. Authorities have advised local residents to keep their doors and windows securely shut and to promptly report any sightings. The Yemassee Police Department stated that the escaped monkeys are young females, each weighing approximately 7 lbs (3.2 kg). On Thursday, police reported that Alpha Genesis had located the “skittish” group and “are working to entice them with food.” “Please do not attempt to approach these animals under any circumstances,” police warned. The police statement further indicated that traps have been deployed in the vicinity, and officers are present “utilizing thermal-imaging cameras in an attempt to locate the animals.” According to police, the research company informed them that due to their size, the monkeys have not undergone testing and “are too young to carry disease.” Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, described the escape as “frustrating.” He conveyed to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner network, his hope “for a happy ending” and that the monkeys would independently return to the facility. Mr. Westergaard explained that the monkeys fled on Wednesday after a keeper left a door to their outdoor enclosure ajar. He stated they are currently “hanging out in the woods.” Mr. Westergaard remarked, “It’s really like follow-the-leader. You see one go and the others go.” He added, “It was a group of 50, and 7 stayed behind and 43 bolted out the door.” “There are some little things to eat in the woods but no apples which are what they really like,” he commented, “so we are hoping that will draw them in the next day or two.” In an interview with The Post and Courier, a South Carolina newspaper, he further noted that weather conditions have complicated the capture efforts, stating that operations were “hampered a bit by the rain as the monkeys are hunkered down.” The Post and Courier reported that this incident is not the first instance of monkeys escaping from the facility. In 2016, 19 monkeys escaped and were subsequently returned approximately six hours later. Two years prior to that, 26 primates also fled the facility. Yemassee, a town situated 60 miles (100 km) east of Charleston, has a population of under 1,100 inhabitants. Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who serves South Carolina in the House of Representatives, posted on Twitter that her office is “diligently gathering all relevant information to keep our constituents informed regarding the recent escape of primates.” While macaques are recognized for their aggressive and competitive nature, Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander stated during a Thursday news conference that “there is almost no danger to the public.” Earlier this year, a Japanese macaque named Honshu escaped from a zoo located in Scotland. After being at large for over five days, a drone located him, and he was subsequently tranquilized with a dart before being brought back to the zoo.