In a curious incident in South Carolina, a total of forty-three monkeys managed to escape from a medical research facility known as Alpha Genesis. Fortunately, Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander reassured the public, stating that there is “almost no danger” posed by the escapees.
These Rhesus macaques, primarily young females weighing around 7 pounds (3 kilograms), had yet to be involved in any testing due to their size and age. The incident occurred when a newly hired employee inadvertently left an enclosure unsecured, allowing the monkeys to leave the compound on Wednesday.
“The monkeys are not infected with any diseases and are generally harmless, albeit a little skittish,” said Chief Alexander during a phone call with The Associated Press. Alpha Genesis staff are currently monitoring the primates and attempting to coax them back using food.
While the company typically manages these types of situations without issue on their premises, the monkeys wandered approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) away from the main area of Yemassee. Officials have indicated that Alpha Genesis is taking the lead in this recovery effort by setting up traps and employing thermal imaging cameras to locate the escapees.
Residents in the vicinity are advised to close their windows and doors to prevent the monkeys from entering their homes. Should they spot any of the primates, the chief urges them to call 911 to facilitate a prompt response from both police and Alpha Genesis staff.
Alpha Genesis, located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Savannah, Georgia, is known for supplying primates for research on a global scale. However, they have faced scrutiny in the past; in 2018, the company was fined $12,600 by federal officials after a number of primates escaped, as well as for various incidents related to inadequate housing conditions.
This is not the first time the facility has experienced such an escape; 26 primates fled from the Alpha Genesis location in 2014, and another 19 made their way out in 2016. In response to the latest occurrence, the organization Stop Animal Exploitation Now has written to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, urging them to send an inspector to the Alpha Genesis facility for a thorough investigation. Michael Budkie, the executive director of the organization, expressed concern in a letter, highlighting the reckless circumstances that led to this incident and the risk posed to both the animals and local residents.
As efforts continue to recapture the escaped monkeys, Chief Alexander remains optimistic, stating, “The handlers know them well and usually can get them back with fruit or a little treat.” Nevertheless, the situation underscores the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in animal research facilities.
