43 Monkeys Escape U.S. Research Facility; Residents Told to Lock Doors, Windows
Authorities in South Carolina are on high alert after 43 rhesus macaque monkeys escaped from a research facility, prompting local residents to secure their homes as police work to round them up.
The Yemassee Police Department confirmed on Thursday that the monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis facility in Beaufort County the previous day. The escaped primates are all "very young" females, weighing approximately six to seven pounds, and officials have stated that they have never been used for testing and are too young to carry diseases.
Safety Precautions
In a Facebook post, police advised residents to keep their doors and windows secured to prevent the monkeys from entering homes. They emphasized that anyone who encounters a monkey should not try to interact with it but should instead call 911. Police cautioned that the monkeys can be “skittish,” and any sudden movements or noises could hinder their safe capture.
As of Thursday afternoon, none of the monkeys had been captured. Authorities are actively working with Alpha Genesis to locate the animals, using food to entice them and employing traps and thermal imaging technology to aid in the search.
The Circumstances of the Escape
Matthew Garnes, the Town Administrator of Yemassee, explained that the monkeys escaped when a new employee at the Alpha Genesis center inadvertently left the enclosure door open. The escape was described as a “follow-the-leader” scenario, where one monkey’s dash for freedom prompted the others to follow suit. Of the original group of 50, only seven remained behind.
Garnes noted that police do not expect the animals to have traveled far from the facility. In an interview with CBS News, Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, expressed his frustration over the incident, stating, “It was a group of 50 and 7 stayed behind and 43 bolted out the door.” Westergaard added that he hopes the monkeys will return on their own.
Alpha Genesis and Previous Escapes
According to its website, Alpha Genesis breeds monkeys and provides various bio-research services, including plasma, serum, tissue samples, and whole blood. The facility has experienced similar incidents in the past; eight years ago, 19 monkeys escaped but were recaptured within six hours.
As the search continues, local authorities are urging community members to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the escaped monkeys.
Conclusion
The escape of the 43 rhesus macaque monkeys has raised concerns in the Yemassee community, prompting officials to take precautionary measures while they work to ensure the safe capture of the animals. As the situation develops, residents are reminded to secure their homes and avoid direct contact with the monkeys.
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