Official statements from Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center or local authorities

42 Young Female Rhesus Monkeys Still at Large After Escape from South Carolina Lab

Nov 9, 2024, 06:00 PM

Over 40 young female rhesus macaques escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina, on Wednesday after an employee failed to properly secure a door while checking on them. The facility oversees about 6,500 primates at its Yemassee location and is responsible for another 3,500 rhesus macaques on Morgan Island off the state's coast. The escaped monkeys have been spotted near the facility, jumping back and forth over the fence and cooing at the monkeys still inside, exhibiting playful behavior. Authorities are using food to lure the monkeys back and have urged residents to secure their doors and windows, warning them not to interact with the animals and to call 911 if spotted. As of Saturday, only one monkey has been recovered safely, with 42 still on the loose. The monkeys are too young to carry diseases and have not yet been used for testing, according to the facility's CEO, Greg Westergaard, who remarked that they are "having an adventure." Authorities may consider deploying dart guns if necessary to recapture the remaining monkeys.