Police in South Carolina are actively working to recapture 43 rhesus macaques that escaped a research lab, urging the public to avoid approaching the animals. The escape highlights ongoing issues in animal research facilities and public safety.
Hunt Underway for Escaped Monkeys from South Carolina Research Facility
Hunt Underway for Escaped Monkeys from South Carolina Research Facility
Authorities seek to recapture 43 rhesus macaques that fled from their enclosure, raising concerns and questions about animal handling in research.
In a bizarre turn of events, 43 rhesus macaques have escaped from Alpha Genesis, a primate research facility in South Carolina, prompting a widespread search and public safety warnings. The incident occurred when a keeper accidentally left the enclosure door open, allowing the young female monkeys to flee into the surrounding Lowcountry woods.
Local authorities, including the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and Yemassee Police Department, are advising residents to securely close doors and windows and report any sightings of the escaped primates. The monkeys, each weighing around 7lbs (3.2kg), have not yet undergone testing and are considered too young to carry any diseases, according to facility officials.
The CEO of Alpha Genesis, Greg Westergaard, expressed his frustration over the escape while hoping for a peaceful resolution. He noted that the monkeys are "skittish" and tend to move in a group, making them easier to track. In an effort to recapture them, the facility has set up traps and is using thermal imaging cameras to locate the animals, though efforts have been complicated by inclement weather.
This incident is not an isolated case; Alpha Genesis has previously experienced similar escapes, with 19 monkeys eloping in 2016 and 26 escaping in 2014. These repeated occurrences raise concerns about animal handling protocols and facility security in research facilities.
Congresswoman Nancy Mace, representing the area, has publicly committed to keeping the community informed about the situation. While the monkeys are known for their potentially aggressive behavior, local law enforcement officials, including Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander, reassure the public that there is minimal danger.
As the search continues, both locals and animal welfare advocates are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures the safety of both the escaped monkeys and the residents of the area. Historically, similar incidents have ended with captured animals returning to their facilities, but the attention around these escapes leaves lingering questions about animal rights and research ethics.
