Dozens of rhesus macaque monkeys remain on the loose after escaping from a research facility located in Yemassee, South Carolina. The alarming incident unfolded on Wednesday, November 6, when 43 young female monkeys managed to escape due to human error.
According to the findings of local authorities, the escape occurred when an employee at Alpha Genesis—where these primates are bred for medical research—failed to properly secure two doors during routine care. This oversight allowed the primates to jump over the facility's fence and explore the surrounding area.
By Saturday, officials confirmed the safe capture of one of the monkeys. The Yemassee Police Department issued a statement celebrating the recovery, and noted, "A significant number of the remaining primates are still located just a few yards from the property, jumping back and forth over the facility's fence." Meanwhile, the rest of the monkeys appear to be keeping close to their home base, cooing and interacting with those still inside the facility, which authorities deem as encouraging signs.
Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, reassured the public, saying, "We are working diligently to recover all of the animals and we will continue until the job is done." The primate facility is dedicated to breeding monkeys primarily for research purposes, and emphasizes the importance of humane treatment.
Despite the precarious situation, representatives from Alpha Genesis and public health officials have stated there is no current threat to public safety associated with the escaped monkeys. They describe the monkeys, which weigh about 7 pounds (3 kilograms), as too young to carry diseases, according to the facility’s spokesperson. Nevertheless, authorities have advised residents to exercise caution by avoiding the vicinity to prevent startling the primates.
The police have set traps and are using thermal technology to track down the remaining monkeys, with staff on site at all hours to monitor the situation. They have also cautioned against the use of drones, which can frighten the animals. Drones had previously spooked some of the monkeys, complicacing attempts to coax them back.
Locals have been urged to refrain from approaching the escaped primates and report sightings immediately by calling 911. The police’s awareness campaign stressed the need for the community to remain calm and collected, as any sudden movement could escalate the situation.
Alpha Genesis isn't unfamiliar with escape scenarios; past incidents have seen monkeys wander off as well. Notably, 19 monkeys escaped the facility back in 2016, and 26 were reported missing in December 2014. Despite these earlier provocations, best practices for containment at the facility will likely come under tighter scrutiny as this recent episode raises concerns over operational protocols.
Rhesus macaques, the specific type of monkey involved, are known for their extensive history within research projects, dating back to the early 1900s. These primates share approximately 93% of their DNA with humans, making them valuable subjects for studies related to human biology and medical advancements.
The monkeys were particularly sought after due to their abundant populations and adaptability across various environments. Their use spans decades for research including vaccines, organ transplants, and other significant medical inquiries.
These animals are bred at Alpha Genesis for distribution to laboratories and marketers worldwide, indicating the company's vast reach within the biomedical sector. They have around 5,000 monkeys across various species, underscoring their established position within research services.
While no immediate health hazard exists, animal rights groups have raised concerns over the ethical ramifications of using monkeys for research, including issues surrounding their treatment and housing conditions.
Moving forward, Alpha Genesis is committed to enhancing their methods to prevent future escapes. Still, the community remains alert and engaged, observing as recovery efforts persist. The incident serves as both an alarming reminder of the inherent unpredictability when handling live animals as well as highlighting the operational challenges faced by research facilities.
While the calm of Yemassee hangs heavy with tension, one thing is clear: these little fugitives have sparked significant community interest, and many are eager to see how the story will resolve. Capturing all the escaped monkeys is the priority, with little hope of tranquillity restored until then.