Authorities in South Carolina have issued a public alert for residents to lock their doors and windows following the escape of over 40 monkeys from a research facility on Wednesday night.
The group of rhesus macaque monkeys managed to break free from the Alpha Genesis research facility in Beaufort County. In a statement, the Yemassee Police Department confirmed that traps and thermal imaging cameras are being used to locate the escaped primates.
In an update released Thursday morning, police stated that a total of 43 young female rhesus macaques, each weighing around 6-7 pounds, are still on the loose. These monkeys, described as “very young females,” have not been used for testing due to their age.
Alpha Genesis personnel are reportedly keeping an eye on the monkeys and attempting to lure them back with food, although the animals are said to be “skittish,” according to the police.
“Residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows secured to prevent these animals from entering homes,” police warned. “If you spot any of the escaped animals, please contact 911 immediately and refrain from approaching them.”
According to its website, Alpha Genesis is a facility that breeds monkeys and provides “nonhuman primate products and bio-research services” for studies worldwide, including research on brain disorders. Their staff specializes in working with various primates, including rhesus, cynomolgus, and capuchin monkeys.
The Yemassee Police Department has confirmed that multiple officers are collaborating with Alpha Genesis staff in the ongoing search for the monkeys. They also assured the community that there is “no health risk associated with these animals.”
This is not the first time primates have escaped from Alpha Genesis. In a similar incident eight years ago, 19 monkeys escaped but were recaptured within six hours. Additionally, last year in Pennsylvania, dozens of lab monkeys briefly escaped after a truck carrying 100 of the animals crashed.
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