43 Rhesus Monkeys Escape Alpha Genesis Research Facility; Residents Advised to Lock Doors

Nov 7, 2024, 08:18 PM

Authorities in Yemassee, South Carolina, are searching for 43 young female rhesus macaque monkeys that escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center on Wednesday evening after an employee failed to properly secure an enclosure gate. The facility oversees approximately 6,500 primates and has experienced prior escapes in 2016 and 2014. Residents have been advised to keep their doors and windows locked as a precaution, although officials state there is "almost no danger" to the public. The monkeys have been seen "playfully exploring the perimeter fence" and engaging with other primates inside the facility by cooing to them. Police and facility staff are utilizing traps and thermal imaging cameras in efforts to recapture the animals. Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, said he hopes the monkeys are "having an adventure."