On November 6th of this year, 43 rhesus macaque primates escaped from the Alpha Genesis primate center in Yemassee.
But almost half of these primates have been found.‘Nearly half of the missing monkeys have successfully returned unharmed.’ Pronounced by The Yemassee Police Department. Furthermore, a “Sizable group remains active along the fence line and this time have bedded down in the trees for the night.” Police announced in a statement. “Wellness exams have been conducted on the recovered monkeys, and all members in the group have been reported to be in good health,” claimed the police.
Monkeys found outside the fence
Even though the monkeys broke out of their facility, a few have been spotted outside hanging around the fence of the prefecture. November 8th, the Alpha Genesis staff and management “were on-site feeding and monitoring the animals at the facility’s perimeter.” Announced by police.
On November 9th, 2024, three days after the initial escape, the Yemassee Police Department stated, “A significant number of the remaining primates are indicated just a few yards from the property jumping back and forth over the facility fence.” The loose primates continue interacting with their engaged counterparts inside the facility. The update does not clarify whether the facility has eyes on all of the runaway animals besides the few from outside the fence.
According to the police, Westguard has expressed optimism regarding the monkey’s behavior. The facility uses “Have a Heart” traps, designed to be humane. One trap door is even alongside it.
The Alpha Genesis test facility specializes in nonhuman primates research for the biomedical research community. It is one of the most extensive primate facilities in the United States. According to the facility’s official website, it is designed specifically for monkeys and has over 100 acres of land for research breeding purposes.
The runaway primates were seen “playfully exploring the perimeter of the facility’s fence, engaging with those still inside by coming to them, ” police commented that Friday.
The monkeys “Exhibit calm and playful behavior, “which is a positive indication.” Police spoke.
Police have urged residents to stay away from the facility’s perimeters where the runaway monkeys have been seen because the primates “Can be easily startled.” police pronounced.
“They are described as being skittish and well congregated in groups.” Yemassee Town Administrator Matthew Garnes told CNN. “The monkeys are nonviolent but may be growing restless due to hunger,” Garnes noted.
Residents in the area have been asked to keep doors and windows closed to prevent the monkeys from entering their homes. Police advised anyone who encounters the group of missing monkeys to refrain from interacting with them and call 911 right away. The young monkeys—all female and between 6 and 7 pounds have been used for testing and are too young to carry any disease, police said.
This isn’t South Carolina’s first outbreak of escaped monkeys. The Post and Courier in Beaufort County reported that 19 monkeys escaped from the same facility in 2016 and returned six hours later.
As for the 2024 escaped monkeys, the story is still ongoing, and updates will follow continuously.
