In brief
A group of 43 young female rhesus macaques has escaped from a research facility in South Carolina. Authorities are actively searching for the monkeys, with police advising the public to avoid approaching them. The escape was caused by a keeper leaving the pen open, and the facility is working to recover the animals with food enticement.
Authorities in Beaufort County, South Carolina, are currently engaged in a search for 43 monkeys that fled from a research facility called Alpha Genesis after a keeper accidentally left their pen open. The rhesus macaque family is now at large in the Lowcountry region, prompting police to urge residents to keep their homes secure and to report any sightings as soon as possible.The escaped monkeys are primarily young females, with each weighing approximately 7lbs (3.2kg). Police indicated on Thursday that the company is making efforts to entice these "skittish" macaques back with food. A police statement warned the public against approaching the animals and disclosed that traps had been set in the vicinity, alongside the use of thermal imaging cameras to spot the primates.Alpha Genesis informs authorities that the monkeys are too young to have undergone testing and pose little health risk. Greg Westergaard, CEO of the facility, expressed his frustration over the incident. He noted that the escape occurred when the pen's door was left ajar, resulting in the group of 50 primates with only 7 remaining behind. He mentioned that the monkeys have been seen "hanging out in the woods" and emphasized the group mentality in their escape.Westergaard also commented on the challenges facing recovery efforts, citing inclement weather as a hindrance in getting the monkeys back. He added that while small natural food items may be available in the area, there are no apples—the monkeys' preferred snack—to draw them in effectively.According to The Post and Courier, this incident is not unique; there have been prior escapes from Alpha Genesis in 2016 and 2014 where groups of 19 and 26 monkeys, respectively, managed to flee but were apprehended shortly afterward.Though the town of Yemassee is relatively small, with fewer than 1,100 residents, government officials are staying vigilant. Congresswoman Nancy Mace has communicated that her office is gathering information to keep constituents updated regarding the escape.Despite the monkeys' known reputation for aggressive behavior, Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander assured the public during a news conference that there is minimal danger. In a global context, recent news highlights a different escape, wherein a Japanese macaque evaded capture for over five days in Scotland before being tranquilized and returned to the zoo.
