YEMASSEE, S.C. (AP) — Authorities have reported that only eight monkeys are still at large after a group of Rhesus macaques escaped from a breeding facility in South Carolina over a week ago. This incident occurred on November 6, when a staff member at what locals refer to as “the monkey farm” failed to properly secure their enclosure.
Since their escape, efforts have been underway to recapture the monkeys. On Wednesday, three more of them were caught just outside the Alpha Genesis facility. To entice them back, officials have been using treats like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. All the monkeys that have been retrapped are reported to be in good health, as confirmed by Alpha Genesis employees.
The remaining group of monkeys is currently being monitored near the compound’s fence, where traps have been set up in the surrounding woods. According to police, the employees at Alpha Genesis can hear the monkeys cooing as they keep watch over them.
Alpha Genesis stated that their recovery efforts will persist until all the escapees are captured, emphasizing their commitment even though the facility is located about a mile from downtown Yemassee and roughly 50 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia.
These Rhesus macaques are notably small, comparable in size to a domestic cat, and all are female, averaging about 7 pounds (3 kilograms) in weight. It’s worth noting that Rhesus macaques have been subjects of scientific research for over a century, and studies suggest that they share approximately 93% of their DNA with humans, stemming from a common ancestor about 25 million years ago.
Authorities, including Alpha Genesis and federal health officials, assert that the escaped monkeys do not pose any public health risks. Alpha Genesis breeds these monkeys for sale to medical facilities and researchers. Residents and visitors in the area are advised to keep their distance if they encounter any of the monkeys and to refrain from flying drones nearby, as the animals can be easily startled and may flee from their gathered locations.
