Monkeys on the Run: Search Underway for 43 Escapees in South Carolina

An escape of 43 monkeys from Alpha Genesis research lab in South Carolina has prompted police to warn residents and set traps as they search for the fleeing primates. The incident has raised public safety concerns, though officials minimize danger to locals.

Police are currently on high alert as they attempt to recapture 43 rhesus macaques that escaped from a research facility in South Carolina after a caretaker inadvertently left their pen unlocked. The group, made up of primarily young female monkeys, fled from Alpha Genesis, a company focused on breeding primates for medical research, and are roaming the rural areas known as the Lowcountry.

Local authorities have advised residents to secure their homes and report any monkey sightings swiftly. Officials indicate that the monkeys weigh approximately 7 pounds (3.2 kg) each and have not undergone testing, making them less likely to pose health risks. The Yemassee Police Department confirmed that they are collaborating with the facility to locate the group, which is reportedly skittish and seeking refuge in wooded areas.

“They’re working on luring them back with food,” stated the police report. Authorities have deployed traps in the vicinity, and they are utilizing thermal imaging technology to better locate the evasive animals. In light of the escape, police emphasized that residents must not try to approach the monkeys, which can be unpredictable.

Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, described the incident as “frustrating” and expressed hope for the animals' swift return. He recounted that on Wednesday, the escape occurred when a door to their outdoor enclosure was inadvertently left ajar. He noted that once one monkey broke free, the others followed suit, resulting in the large exodus from the facility.

Despite the efforts to recapture them, poor weather conditions, including rainy skies, have made the operation more challenging, with the monkeys seeking shelter in response to the elements. This incident is not isolated; the facility has experienced similar escapes in the past, including one where 19 monkeys got away in 2016 and another involving 26 monkeys before that.

With less than 1,100 residents, Yemassee is keeping a watchful eye on this unusual event. Congresswoman Nancy Mace has acknowledged the situation via social media and is gathering information to inform constituents about the ongoing search for the primates.

While macaques can exhibit aggressive behaviors, Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander reassured the public that the likelihood of any danger remains minimal. The search continues, as memories from past escapees linger, reminding locals of the unique challenges posed by these clever animals.