COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — An escaped monkey that was part of a group of 43 bred for medical research in South Carolina has been found safe, according to officials on Saturday. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining monkeys.
Authorities have reported that many of the other Rhesus macaques are still playing near the Alpha Genesis facility’s fence, frequently jumping back and forth, as they interact with their companions inside. This behavior, noted in a police statement on Saturday, is considered a good sign as it shows they are still connected to their group.
The escape occurred on Wednesday when an employee at the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee accidentally left a door unlatched while caring for the monkeys. As a result, the primates seized the opportunity to flee.
Typically the size of a house cat, these monkeys are all females and weigh around 7 pounds (about 3 kilograms). Both Alpha Genesis and federal health officials assured the public that the monkeys pose no threat to public safety. The facility’s main role is breeding monkeys to sell for medical and research purposes.
According to the facility’s website, Alpha Genesis supplies primates for research on a global scale from its location in Yemassee, situated approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Savannah, Georgia.
Greg Westergaard, the CEO of Alpha Genesis, has stated that the team will continue to work diligently over the weekend and for as long as necessary to retrieve the remaining monkeys and ensure their safety.
