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News November 11,2024 | Independence Journal Editorial Team

South Carolina Monkeys Still On The Loose After Research Facility Escape

Chaos struck Yemassee, South Carolina, this week when 43 rhesus macaque monkeys escaped from a research facility. The incident began Wednesday afternoon when Alpha Genesis reported that the monkeys had fled their enclosures after a caretaker failed to secure a door.

The monkeys, described as small, young females weighing just 6-7 pounds, scattered into nearby wooded areas. Officials quickly assured the public there was no health risk, as the animals were too young to carry disease. Still, the escape has created a stir in the community, with residents urged to keep doors and windows locked.

By Thursday, the search effort ramped up. Thermal imaging cameras were deployed, and humane traps were set up around the facility to lure the monkeys back. Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard expressed optimism despite the challenges. “We are taking a passive, humane approach to recapture the animals,” Westergaard said, noting that the monkeys’ playful behavior suggested they were not under significant stress.

Friday brought some progress, as a few monkeys were spotted returning to the facility’s perimeter. Staff monitored their movements and attempted to coax them back inside using food. “The primates are calm and engaging with those still inside the enclosures,” Westergaard reported, adding that these interactions were a promising sign.

The escape has drawn comparisons to a similar incident in 2016 when 19 monkeys fled from the same facility. While the current situation is larger in scale, officials remain confident they can safely return all the animals. Residents have been asked not to approach the primates and to report sightings to authorities immediately.

As the weekend approaches, the search continues. While the monkeys remain at large, the coordinated efforts of Alpha Genesis and local law enforcement give hope for a successful resolution.

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