Six monkeys remain at large after more than 40 escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina, earlier this month. The curious case began on November 6, when human error allowed 43 Rhesus macaques to tunnel out of their enclosure, raising eyebrows and concerns among locals and officials alike.
According to Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard, two additional monkeys were successfully captured on Sunday, bringing the total count of recovered primates to 37. The captured monkeys were reported to be healthy and well-adjusted following their outdoor escapade. "I can attest with absolute certainty their spirits were high... they showed all the outward signs of being happy" he stated after witnessing the recovery process himself.
The incident unfolded due to what was classified as human error. An employee at the facility forgot to fully secure the gates, leading to potential structural lapses. Three gates must be safely shut and latched before the next one can be opened. "All three gates and latches were left unsecure allowing the primates to escape," Westergaard explained. He added, "The employee’s supervisor approached her and stated she could lose her job if it was determined there was no structural failure," after which the employee allegedly left the job and has not returned since the incident.
Westergaard has been actively involved in the recovery efforts, ensuring the monkeys are properly fed and cared for. The captivity diet consists of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as well as specially formulated monkey biscuits. While Alpha Genesis has faced scrutiny for animal treatment, they maintain the escaped monkeys pose no risk to public safety.
Locals have been advised to keep their distance from the monkeys if spotted. The conditions seem manageable, though some concerns arose from the animal activist organization Stop Animal Exploitation Now, which recently penned a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting inspections due to past animal neglect incidents at the facility.
According to reports, previous troubles included the death of one monkey whose head became trapped and another who suffered injuries during earlier escape attempts. Those past issues have cast shadows on the facility, leading to increased scrutiny over its operations.
Despite this baggage, the most recent inspections, including one conducted this past May, reported no major issues. Following extensive federal scrutiny, including 10 inspections since 2020, officials declared no serious violations were present and noted the staff’s general diligence.
The captured monkeys continue their recovery under veterinary supervision with reports indicating the majority are still adjusting well. Westergaard has reassured all concerned parties, stating, "We are very pleased... they show no ill effects from their outdoor adventure. Efforts to locate and recover the remaining six monkeys will persist as necessary. If citizens encounter any monkeys, authorities urge them to avoid interactions and not to use drones, as it can startle the skittish creatures and push them to flee even farther.
This extraordinary incident has garnered mixed attention, shedding light on animal treatment inside scientific research facilities. Protests and letters from activists have brought renewed focus on the treatment of animals bred for research, thereby igniting discussions around ethics, regulatory oversight, and safety.
The escapade of the six remaining Rhesus macaques remains far from over, as both the public and Alpha Genesis uphold vigilance for the safety of these creatures and the wider community.
