Yemassee, South Carolina, became the unlikely center of attention this week after 43 rhesus macaque monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis research facility on Wednesday. The animals, described as young and highly active, slipped out when a door was left unsecured, sparking an intense search effort.
Officials quickly assured the public that the monkeys posed no health risks, as they are too young to carry disease. However, their natural skittishness has made recapturing them a delicate challenge. The small primates, each weighing about 6-7 pounds, scattered into the nearby woods, avoiding the traps set to lure them back.
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By Thursday, the search effort ramped up. Thermal imaging cameras were deployed, and Alpha Genesis staff began using humane traps baited with food. “The best way to recapture the animals is through passive, humane methods,” said CEO Greg Westergaard. Although some monkeys approached the traps, none have been caught so far.
On Friday, there was some hope. Staff observed several monkeys returning to the facility’s perimeter, interacting with their companions still inside the enclosures. The playful and calm behavior of the escapees was seen as a positive sign, though they remained elusive. Westergaard urged the public to avoid the area, as additional noise could further delay the capture process.
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Residents were advised to secure their homes and contact authorities if they spotted any of the monkeys. Flying drones in the area was also discouraged, as it could increase the stress levels of the animals and hinder the recovery effort.
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This incident has drawn comparisons to a similar event in 2016, when 19 monkeys escaped the same facility. While the scale of this escape is larger, Alpha Genesis and local officials remain confident that all 43 monkeys will be returned safely.
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