COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Authorities announced on Friday that 43 Rhesus macaques, bred for medical research, have been seen roaming in the woods near a research facility in South Carolina after they escaped the compound. Workers are trying to recapture them by luring the monkeys with food.
The escape occurred on Wednesday when an employee at Alpha Genesis in Yemassee unintentionally left a door unlocked while tending to the monkeys, according to officials. “Monkeys are highly social creatures and tend to follow each other, so once a few venture out, the rest usually follow,” stated Greg Westergaard, the CEO of Alpha Genesis, to CBS News.
Currently, the monkeys are exploring the outer fence of the facility, engaging in cooing sounds with their counterparts still inside. Police noted that their behavior is calm and playful, which is encouraging. Workers are keeping a close watch on them while maintaining a safe distance during recapture efforts.
These monkeys are about the size of domestic cats and are all females weighing around 7 pounds (3 kilograms). Health officials and the police confirmed that they do not pose a threat to public health, as Alpha Genesis breeds monkeys specifically for researchers in medical fields.
Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander reassured the public, saying, “They are not infected with any disease whatsoever. They’re harmless but a bit skittish.” However, officials have advised residents living within a mile of the compound to close their windows and doors, calling 911 if they spot any monkeys. This caution helps prevent inadvertently spooking the animals and complicating recapture efforts.
Eve Cooper, a biology professor studying Rhesus macaques at the University of Colorado Boulder, cautioned against approaching the monkeys, noting that they can be unpredictable and potentially aggressive. While Alpha Genesis claims to specialize in pathogen-free primates, Cooper highlighted the risks associated with their natural behavior and potential diseases, including herpes B virus, which can be deadly for humans.
Locally, the Alpha Genesis compound is commonly referred to as “the monkey farm.” Residents of Yemassee, a small town with a population of about 1,100, seem to take the situation with a mixture of humor and concern. William McCoy, who operates a local clock and watch repair shop, remarked that the monkeys typically return home because that’s where the food is. He humorously suggested stocking up on bananas in hopes of coaxing them back.
The Alpha Genesis facility, located roughly 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Savannah, Georgia, has a history of escapes. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture fined the facility $12,600 after incidents where 26 monkeys escaped in 2014 and another 19 in 2016. Concerns arose again due to recent escapes, prompting groups advocating for animal rights to call for more stringent oversight from the USDA.
Michael Budkie, executive director of the group Stop Animal Exploitation Now, called for an immediate inspection of the facility, stating, “The clear carelessness that allowed these monkeys to escape endangered not just the animals but also public safety.” The USDA has conducted multiple inspections since 2020, revealing both deficiencies and improvements in the facility’s practices.
Over the years, Rhesus macaques have played a critical role in scientific research, significantly contributing to medical advancements, including vaccine development. Their physiological similarities to humans make them valuable in studies. Despite the potential dangers associated with these animals, there remains strong support for their use in research, given their significant contributions to health advancements.
Notably, Rhesus macaques have long been subjects in scientific inquiry, dating back to the late 19th century. They are among the most studied primates, with researchers noting their capacity for complex social structures and behaviors — characteristics that closely mimic human dynamics.
Dario Maestripieri, a behavioral scientist from the University of Chicago, has explored the intricate social hierarchies of these monkeys in his book “Macachiavellian Intelligence: How Rhesus Macaques and Humans Have Conquered the World.” He pointed out the multifaceted nature of their social lives, emphasizing both their familial bonds and the darker aspects of their behavior, often reflecting human traits.
___
Lovan reported from Louisville, Kentucky, while Finley covered the story from Norfolk, Virginia.
