YEMASSEE, S.C. (AP) — In a notable incident, five additional monkeys have been recaptured at a South Carolina facility that breeds Rhesus macaques for medical research. These animals escaped last week due to an enclosure that was not securely locked.
As of Monday afternoon, a total of 30 out of the 43 monkeys that escaped from the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee have been returned safely. The local police confirmed that the remaining animals are unharmed and have been monitored closely since their escape.
After their escape on Wednesday, it appears that most of the Rhesus macaques chose to remain near the compound. Alpha Genesis employees have been proactively observing the monkeys and enticing them back using food. The company has reported that they interacted with the remaining monkeys still inside the enclosure, cooing to them to maintain a sense of familiarity.
Officials mentioned that veterinarians are currently examining the returned monkeys, and initial health assessments indicate that all are doing well.
Alpha Genesis has committed to ongoing efforts to recover all escaped monkeys at its facility, located approximately one mile from downtown Yemassee and about 50 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia. The monkeys are small, roughly the size of a domestic cat, all females, and weigh around 7 pounds (3 kilograms).
Since the late 1800s, these monkeys have been utilized in scientific research. Genetic studies suggest that Rhesus macaques and humans share a common ancestor that lived about 25 million years ago, with approximately 93% of their DNA in common.
According to Alpha Genesis, federal health officials, and local law enforcement, there is no public health risk posed by the escaped monkeys. The facility’s primary business is breeding these primates to supply medical institutions and researchers.
Should individuals come across any of the monkeys, they are advised to keep their distance and to refrain from flying drones in the area. For further information, people can visit Alpha Genesis, which provides primates for research projects around the globe.
