Police are currently on the lookout for 43 monkeys who managed to escape from the Alpha Genesis research facility located in South Carolina. The incident has stirred considerable attention and concern among locals, particularly as these monkeys are young female rhesus macaques, each weighing approximately 7 pounds (3.2 kg). This unusual event unfolded after the door to their outdoor enclosure was accidentally left open by one of the staff members.
The escape occurred on Wednesday, prompting the Yemassee Police Department to issue warnings to residents to keep their doors and windows firmly shut and to report any sightings of the monkeys immediately. Authorities are taking this situation seriously, employing various recovery strategies including setting traps and utilizing thermal-imaging cameras to locate the wayward primates.
Greg Westergaard, the CEO of Alpha Genesis, expressed his frustration over the incident, wishing for the monkeys to return on their own. He stated, "It's really like follow-the-leader. You see one go and the others go." Indeed, the incident started with one monkey breaking free, leading others to join the escape, leaving only seven of the original group behind.
The escaped monkeys are described as having formed bonding behaviors typical of their species and are reported to be “skittish.” Given their young age, Alpha Genesis indicated these monkeys have not undergone any medical testing and are too young to carry diseases, signaling there’s limited danger to the public. Police officials have echoed this sentiment during press conferences, assuring the community of their safety.
Efforts to recapture the monkeys are facing challenges due to inclement weather; rain has made the recovery mission more complex as the monkeys are often difficult to spot when they seek shelter. Westergaard noted, "There are some little things to eat in the woods but no apples, which are what they really like, so we are hoping to attract them with food over the next few days." The local environment may play to their advantage as they could hide easily among the foliage.
This isn't the first time Alpha Genesis has dealt with the escape of their primates. Past incidents include the escape of 26 monkeys two years prior and 19 monkeys just last year, both of which were resolved relatively quickly. These repeated escapes have led to scrutiny over the facility’s enclosure protocols, raising questions about animal safety and facility management.
The town of Yemassee, home to fewer than 1,100 residents and located approximately 60 miles east of Charleston, is vulnerable when it becomes aware of such disturbances. Congresswoman Nancy Mace, representing South Carolina, has said her office is actively gathering information about the situation and keeping constituents informed. Mace's response indicates the seriousness with which local officials are treating this incident.
The community is left with mixed feelings - both amusement and concern about the wandering monkeys, who have caught the attention of news outlets across the nation. Rhesus macaques are known to display competitive and aggressive behaviors, which has led locals to wonder about potential encounters with the escapees.
Police Chief Gregory Alexander reassured the public, saying, "There is almost no danger to the public." Though the monkeys may be considered wild and unpredictable, the safety measures being put forth are aimed at preventing any dangerous interactions. It remains unclear how long the monkeys will continue to roam free, but authorities are hopeful for their swift return.
Animal experts have weighed in on the situation, stating it’s best for the monkeys to return to their facility, where they can be taken care of properly. This escape has not only highlighted concerns about the facility management but also sparked discussions about the ethics surrounding animal treatment within research institutions. Capturing wild animals like the rhesus macaques can be highly stressful for them and difficult for humans involved.
According to experts, monkeys can become disoriented and anxious when they find themselves outside familiar surroundings, which may hinder efforts to safely entice them back. Much will depend on the tackle strategies of the authorities and how soon they can locate the escapees. But for now, as the hunt for the fugitives continues, the residents of Yemassee and surrounding areas remain on alert, keeping their eyes peeled for any sign of the elusive monkeys.
