Authorities are working to recapture a group of young female monkeys that fled from a breeding facility in the Lowcountry area, with a history of previous escapes.
Monkeys on the Run: 43 Rhesus Macaques Escape Research Facility in South Carolina
Monkeys on the Run: 43 Rhesus Macaques Escape Research Facility in South Carolina
Police search for escaped primates, urging community to stay alert and report sightings.
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is actively searching for 43 monkeys that fled from Alpha Genesis, a research facility in South Carolina, after a keeper inadvertently left their enclosure door open. The rhesus macaques, all young females weighing around 7 pounds (3.2 kg), have taken refuge in the woods of the Lowcountry, prompting police to caution local residents to secure their homes and immediately report any sightings of the animals.
The facility, which specializes in breeding primates for medical research, indicated that the escaped monkeys are "skittish" and have not yet been subjected to any medical testing, suggesting that they pose minimal health risks. Authorities have set traps and deployed thermal imaging cameras in their search efforts.
Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, expressed his frustration regarding the situation, hopeful that the monkeys would return to safety on their own. The escape occurred on Wednesday when a keeper mistakenly left the door open. As recounted by Westergaard, the escape was a collective action, where 43 monkeys followed one another out, leaving behind a group of seven.
While there are some edible plants available in the area, the monkeys are particularly attracted to apples, which are scarce in their natural environment. Westergaard noted that rain has also complicated the recapture efforts as the monkeys are sheltering in the trees.
This incident is not isolated; a history of previous escapes from the facility includes a notable event in 2016 when 19 monkeys escaped but were returned within six hours, and in 2014, when 26 monkeys fled. The copious quests for the returned monkeys could symbolize a community's bond as Congresswoman Nancy Mace works to keep constituents informed regarding the escape.
Despite their aggressive reputation, Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander reassured the public that there is "almost no danger" posed by the escaped monkeys. In light of this incident, he urged citizens to remain watchful for any sign of the primates and to avoid approaching them if spotted.
The facility, which specializes in breeding primates for medical research, indicated that the escaped monkeys are "skittish" and have not yet been subjected to any medical testing, suggesting that they pose minimal health risks. Authorities have set traps and deployed thermal imaging cameras in their search efforts.
Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, expressed his frustration regarding the situation, hopeful that the monkeys would return to safety on their own. The escape occurred on Wednesday when a keeper mistakenly left the door open. As recounted by Westergaard, the escape was a collective action, where 43 monkeys followed one another out, leaving behind a group of seven.
While there are some edible plants available in the area, the monkeys are particularly attracted to apples, which are scarce in their natural environment. Westergaard noted that rain has also complicated the recapture efforts as the monkeys are sheltering in the trees.
This incident is not isolated; a history of previous escapes from the facility includes a notable event in 2016 when 19 monkeys escaped but were returned within six hours, and in 2014, when 26 monkeys fled. The copious quests for the returned monkeys could symbolize a community's bond as Congresswoman Nancy Mace works to keep constituents informed regarding the escape.
Despite their aggressive reputation, Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander reassured the public that there is "almost no danger" posed by the escaped monkeys. In light of this incident, he urged citizens to remain watchful for any sign of the primates and to avoid approaching them if spotted.
