In brief
The ongoing search for the escaped rhesus macaques has raised concerns among locals, prompting police to advise that residents stay vigilant and report any sightings, while efforts to safely capture the animals continue.
Police are currently in a high-stakes search for 43 young female rhesus macaques that have escaped from Alpha Genesis, a primate breeding facility in South Carolina. The incident occurred when a caretaker inadvertently left the door to their pen open, allowing the monkeys to flee into the surrounding Lowcountry area. Local authorities have warned residents to keep their doors and windows shut and report any sightings as soon as possible. According to the Yemassee Police Department, the escaped monkeys, which weigh around 7 pounds each, have been located roaming the nearby woods. The research company is using food as bait to help coax the group back. Police have also stated that traps are being set and thermal imaging cameras are in use to monitor the situation. Although the monkeys are still too young for testing and do not pose a disease risk, the police have advised the public against approaching them. Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, expressed his frustration over the incident and hopes the monkeys will return willingly. He explained that the escape was akin to a "follow-the-leader" scenario, resulting in a mass exodus from their enclosure. Westergaard noted that the group had escaped on a day when weather conditions were less than favorable for capturing them, as the rain kept the monkeys hidden.This escape is not an isolated incident for the facility; in 2016 and 2014, similar escapes occurred, featuring smaller groups of primates on the run. The nearby town of Yemassee, which has a population of under 1,100, is currently under heightened scrutiny, and Congresswoman Nancy Mace has pledged to keep her constituents informed about the unfolding situation. Despite the macaques' reputation for being aggressive, Police Chief Gregory Alexander assured the public that there is "almost no danger" to safety. In a related event, earlier this year, a Japanese macaque made headlines after escaping from a Scottish zoo, taking more than five days to be safely tranquilized and recaptured. The current efforts surrounding the South Carolina escape reflect a broader concern for wildlife management and safety protocols in research facilities.
