Following the Wednesday night escape of over 40 monkeys from a research institution, South Carolina authorities have advised citizens to secure their windows and doors.
According to a statement from the Yemassee Police Department, traps have been set up and thermal imaging cameras are being deployed in an attempt to find the fugitive monkeys after they escaped from an Alpha Genesis facility in Beaufort County.
Police verified in a Thursday update that 43 rhesus macaque primates had fled and that as of mid-morning, none had been apprehended.
Police previously stated: “Residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows secured to prevent these animals from entering homes,” “If you spot any of the escaped animals, please contact 911 immediately and refrain from approaching them.”
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Why were so many monkeys kept at the research facility ?
On its website, Alpha Genesis states that it offers “nonhuman primate products and bio-research services” all over the world in addition to breeding monkeys. Research into progressive brain illnesses is apparently part of the company’s clinical studies.
According to Alpha Genesis’ website, the company’s team of animal specialists and veterinary technicians treats capuchin, rhesus, and cynomolgous monkeys.
To recapture the primates, the Yemassee Police Department reported that several officers were collaborating with Alpha Genesis staff. Last year, the Post and Courier newspaper said that Alpha Genesis had secured a federal contract to manage a colony of 3,500 rhesus monkeys on Morgan Island, also referred to as “Monkey Island,” in South Carolina.
According to the publication, Alpha Genesis has previously experienced monkey escapes. Nineteen monkeys fled from the company’s facility eight years ago, but they were apprehended approximately six hours later. A truck transporting 100 lab monkeys overturned in Pennsylvania last year, allowing many of the animals to escape.
