A small South Carolina town faces an unusual predicament as authorities work to recapture escaped laboratory primates.

According to Daily Mail, 43 rhesus macaques escaped from the Alpha Genesis research facility near Yemassee, South Carolina, with 18 monkeys still roaming free despite ongoing capture efforts.

Local residents have been instructed to keep their doors and windows locked while officials attempt to lure the remaining primates using food and traps. The escape occurred after a worker forgot to secure an enclosure door, leading to what facility CEO Dr. Greg Westergaard describes as a "follow-the-leader" breakout situation.

Previous Escape History Raises Community Concerns

The current incident marks another chapter in Alpha Genesis's history of primate escapes. In 2016, 19 monkeys broke free but were recaptured within a day. The facility faced similar incidents in 2014 when 26 primates escaped, resulting in a $12,600 fine from the US Department of Agriculture.

More recently, six separate escape events were recorded in 2022 alone. These recurring incidents have heightened local concerns about facility security and safety protocols.

Local business owner Charlotte Murray shared her perspective on the situation. Murray states:

The center normally does a great job during escapes, but this is the first time that I remember that they have asked people to keep doors and windows locked. That is a shift.

The facility, spanning over 100 acres and housing thousands of monkeys, stands as one of the nation's largest primate testing centers. Alpha Genesis conducts various research programs, including studies on Alzheimer's disease and the Zika virus, while also providing blood, cells, and plasma from the primates to other researchers.

Current Capture Operations Face Unique Challenges

Recovery efforts have been complicated by several factors, including the need for careful approaches to avoid frightening the animals. Dr. Westergaard explained that chasing the monkeys would only make them harder to capture. Instead, teams are using strategic food placement and specialized traps to entice the primates back into custody.

The Yemassee Police Department has issued specific guidelines to assist in the recovery effort. They have banned drone usage in the area after one such device spooked a monkey during a capture attempt. Additionally, residents have been advised to avoid the forested areas around the facility where the remaining macaques have taken refuge.

The escaped primates are all juvenile females, each weighing approximately six to seven pounds. While Dr. Westergaard assures that these particular monkeys pose no threat to humans as they have not yet been used in testing, authorities still urge residents to maintain caution and report any sightings to emergency services.

Moving Forward With Enhanced Security Measures

The employee responsible for the oversight has been placed under disciplinary action, though specific details about the consequences have not been disclosed. The incident has prompted discussions about implementing stricter security protocols at the facility to prevent future escapes.

Veterinarians have been deployed to monitor the health of the uncaptured monkeys, with police reports indicating the animals appear to be in good condition. The facility continues to work closely with local law enforcement to ensure public safety while attempting to recover the remaining primates safely.

The recovery operation remains ongoing, with authorities maintaining regular communication with the public about progress and safety measures. While the situation has caused concern among Yemassee's 1,000 residents, officials emphasize that their primary focus is on the safe return of the animals without causing them undue stress or harm.

Current Status And Path To Resolution

The escape of 43 rhesus macaques from the Alpha Genesis research facility has resulted in an ongoing operation to recover the remaining 18 primates still at large. The incident occurred when an employee failed to properly secure an enclosure door, leading to the mass escape.

The situation continues to impact the small town of Yemassee, located 50 miles west of Charleston, as residents maintain heightened security measures at their homes.

While facility officials assure that the escaped monkeys pose no health risks to humans, the recovery operation proceeds with careful consideration for both public safety and the wellbeing of the animals.

Why This Story Matters

The monkey escape in South Carolina is not just about animal recovery; it's a matter of public safety and animal welfare. It underscores the ongoing challenges research facilities face in terms of securing hazardous materials and living subjects. Moreover, it highlights the broader impacts such incidents can have on local communities, necessitating a balanced approach to scientific research and community living.

In summary, the escape of over 40 rhesus macaques from the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee, South Carolina, serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of housing wild animals. With ongoing efforts to recapture the remaining monkeys, the event raises questions about facility security, the impact on local wildlife, and the ramifications for the residential community. This incident is another critical entry in the facility’s history of similar breaches.