A surprising escape of 43 rhesus macaque monkeys from a research facility in South Carolina has left authorities scrambling to capture them. On Thursday, Beaufort County officials issued a warning for local residents to secure their homes after the monkeys managed to break free from their enclosure at Alpha Genesis, a biomedical research facility. By Friday morning, none of the escaped monkeys had been found, and the search was still ongoing.
How the Escape Happened
The escape happened when a caretaker accidentally left a door unsecured at the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee, South Carolina. This mistake allowed 43 young female monkeys, each weighing around 6-7 pounds, to slip away. Greg Westergaard, the CEO of Alpha Genesis, confirmed that the monkeys hadn’t been used in any experiments yet because they were still too young. He described the situation as more of a playful escape than a dangerous one, as the monkeys were spotted jumping and playing in the trees near the facility.
What Authorities Are Doing to Catch Them
Local law enforcement, including officers from the Yemassee Police Department, quickly sprang into action, deploying traps and using thermal cameras to track down the monkeys. But the animals have managed to stay out of sight, hiding in the woods near the facility. Despite several baited traps being set, the monkeys have yet to show interest, continuing to jump between trees and along the perimeter fence.
Westergaard remains hopeful, saying that the monkeys are still hanging around the facility, which could make it easier to capture them. However, chasing them could scare them off and make the process even more difficult.
How the Monkeys Are Acting
At this point, the monkeys haven’t posed any immediate danger to the public. They seem content to stay near the facility, playing and exploring their surroundings rather than venturing far into the community. Known for their curiosity, rhesus macaques are very active, but these particular monkeys haven’t shown signs of aggression. Westergaard is optimistic, noting that their proximity to the facility is a good sign.
What You Should Do to Stay Safe
As authorities continue to search for the monkeys, residents are being urged to stay cautious and keep their homes secure. Police have asked people not to approach the monkeys if they spot them and to immediately call 911. While there is no direct health threat, authorities recommend avoiding contact to prevent potential injury or the spread of disease.
People are encouraged to lock their doors and windows to keep the monkeys from entering their homes. If anyone does encounter one of the monkeys, they are advised to contact authorities right away.
A Little About Alpha Genesis
Alpha Genesis, the research facility involved in the escape, is a key player in biomedical research, specializing in breeding monkeys for studies on brain disorders and other research purposes. The monkeys involved in the escape had been brought to the facility to get used to human interaction. Alpha Genesis also manages a large colony of rhesus macaques, including those on Morgan Island, known as “Monkey Island,” where the monkeys live in the wild.
Rhesus macaques are known for their adaptability and curiosity, which makes them a popular species for research. Their ability to coexist with humans has made them a valuable resource in biomedical studies.
This Isn’t the First Time It’s Happened
This isn’t the first time monkeys have escaped from Alpha Genesis. Back in 2016, 19 monkeys managed to break free but were recaptured within hours. While escapes from the facility are rare, they do draw public concern, especially regarding safety and disease risks.
A similar situation occurred last year in Pennsylvania when a truck carrying 100 lab monkeys crashed, and several of the animals escaped. Fortunately, all the monkeys were accounted for after an extensive search.
Wrapping Up: What’s Next for the Monkeys
Despite the unusual nature of the escape, health officials, including the CDC, have assured the public that the risk of disease remains low. The monkeys had previously lived as free-range animals on Morgan Island before being brought to Alpha Genesis, and while they could potentially carry diseases, the threat to the public is minimal as long as people avoid contact.
As the search for the monkeys continues, authorities remain determined to capture them safely. In the meantime, residents are urged to stay cautious and refrain from approaching the animals. This escape serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by research facilities and the intelligence of rhesus macaques, who continue to outsmart efforts to recapture them.
