Yemassee, S.C. witnessed quite the unexpected escapade this month when 43 rhesus macaque monkeys made their daring escape from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center. The event sent wildlife officers and the local community scrambling to locate and recapture the agile primates, which were bred for medical research.
The incident, which occurred on November 6, began when an employee at Alpha Genesis failed to secure one of the enclosure's three gates properly—leaving not just one, but all three gates unsecured. This oversight allowed the monkeys to follow each other out, leading to what resembled a scene from a wildlife documentary rather than the typical day at the research facility.
About 35 monkeys have since been successfully captured, with the last count noting only 8 remaining at large as of this past weekend. Authorities reported the captured monkeys are all safe and sound, with veterinarians confirming their good health after thorough assessments.
Local police and Alpha Genesis staff aren't leaving anything to chance. They have mobilized resources to capture the escapees, utilizing food to lure them back to safety, especially since these monkeys are known for their social nature and tend to stick together. While the search has so far proven fruitful, the remaining monkeys are still evading capture, sparking some light-hearted banter among community members about what it takes to entice monkeys back home.
There has been some concern over the potential health risk posed by these animals, but both Alpha Genesis and local health authorities have assured the public there is no immediate danger. According to the CEO of Alpha Genesis, Greg Westergaard, these monkeys are “not infected with any disease whatsoever,” and the facility specializes in breeding pathogen-free primates. Despite these reassurances, residents living near the compound were advised to keep their doors and windows closed and to report any sightings of the monkeys rather than approach them, which could stress the animals and complicate capture efforts.
The Alpha Genesis facility, recognized for its breeding and sale of primates for medical purposes, faced scrutiny after it was revealed this was not the first escape incident. The U.S. Department of Agriculture previously fined the center for escapes and infractions related to the safety and care of the monkeys under its watch. The facility, located about 50 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, regularly undergoes inspections and adheres to guidelines set forth for the treatment of nonhuman primates.
Experts differentiate between the social behaviors of wild monkeys and their social adaptiveness under human care, leading to discussions about the psychological impact of captivity. One biology professor emphasized the need for caution, stating, “Rhesus macaques can be aggressive. They can behave quite aggressively when they’re afraid,” underscoring the unpredictable nature of the species.
The whimsical nature of the escape has drawn mixed reactions from the community. While fear for public safety is legitimate, some residents like William McCoy, owner of Lowcountry Horology, who has witnessed prior escape events, view this more playfully. His plan to stock up on bananas suggests some locals are treating the situation as more of an animation like the popular films and shows featuring monkeys rather than something to be genuinely alarmed about. After all, it seems these escapee monkeys are merely on the hunt for the next best banana.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, employing not just traditional methods of capture, but also advanced technology, such as thermal imaging cameras, to locate the remaining monkeys tucked away among the foliage. Meanwhile, local and state authorities are now calling for increased scrutiny of the Alpha Genesis facility following this incident, particularly from U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace's office, which has launched inquiries about active contracts and recent inspections.
The history of rhesus macaques used for research purposes goes way back, connecting closely with scientific advancements, including important contributions to medical responses, such as vaccines against COVID-19. The escapade of these fearless primates serves as not just local news, but also as food for thought on the role of such animals in scientific inquiry and the responsibilities of the facilities using them. Whether climbing trees, fleeing the scene, or returning home to their primate compound, these monkeys remind us of both the wonders of animal behavior and the seriousness surrounding their protocol and care.
While this chapter of monkey mischief may soon close with all members back under the safety of their secured gates, it highlights larger questions surrounding animal research, ethical dialogue, and the unintended chaos human error can stir up. Those living near what is colloquially known as “the monkey farm” might be left with more playful tales than actual fears of exploring the local woods for runaway rhesus macaques.
