Eight monkeys remain unaccounted for following their escape from a South Carolina facility that breeds primates for medical research.
A group of 43 rhesus macaques initially broke out of the compound on November 6 after an employee failed to lock their enclosure properly, according to police reports. The Alpha Genesis facility, located about a mile from downtown Yemassee, has been attempting to recapture them using various methods, such as setting traps and offering food like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
So far, three additional monkeys were recaptured on Wednesday, bringing the total number of returned primates to 35. The facility stresses that the remaining monkeys pose no threat to public health, a position echoed by federal health officials and local authorities.
Alpha Genesis has committed to continued efforts to retrieve the remaining monkeys from the vicinity of the compound, where they have been heard making cooing sounds by employees monitoring the situation. The escaped monkeys, all females weighing approximately 7 pounds each, are roughly the size of a domestic cat.
The facility, which breeds these primates for sale to medical research institutions, has underscored the importance of safety in its operations. The incident highlights the challenges involved in managing animal enclosures and ensuring all safety protocols are adhered to.
Since the late 1800s, rhesus macaques have been used in scientific research, with their genetic makeup sharing about 93% similarity with humans. Despite their escape, authorities advise the public to avoid approaching the monkeys and to refrain from flying drones in the area, as the animals may become startled and evade capture efforts.
Efforts to safely return all the escaped monkeys to the Alpha Genesis facility continue, with the company determined to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible.
Source: Local10
