Rhesus Macaques Escape from Research Facility in Yemassee, South Carolina

Yemassee, South Carolina: Rhesus Macaques on the Loose

In Yemassee, South Carolina, a remarkable incident has unfolded involving 25 rhesus macaques that successfully escaped from a research facility. The escape occurred on Wednesday after a worker at Alpha Genesis inadvertently left an enclosure door unlocked. As of now, authorities report that only one monkey was captured on Saturday, and an additional 24 were recovered by Sunday, leaving a handful still unaccounted for.

What Happened

The escape was initiated when a caretaker, while completing her duties of feeding 50 monkeys and cleaning their enclosure, neglected to fasten the enclosure door. This oversight gave the monkeys the opportunity to flee into the surrounding area, leading to a swift community response.

Where and When

The events took place at Alpha Genesis, a research center located roughly 60 miles west of Charleston. Following the escapes, the Yemassee police department took to Facebook on Sunday to inform the public about the recovery efforts and the status of the monkeys still at large. As of now, authorities confirmed that a large group of the escaped monkeys remains near the fence line of the research center amid the wooded surroundings.

Why It Matters

Officials have reassured the community that there is no significant risk to public health since the monkeys are too young to carry diseases. Additionally, while police chief Gregory Alexander emphasized that the animals are skittish and unlikely to show aggression towards humans, caution is still advised. Residents have been instructed to remain vigilant and to keep their doors and windows closed while also reporting any monkey sightings to local authorities.

Recovery Efforts

Alpha Genesis is actively working to track down the remaining escaped monkeys using humane traps baited with fresh fruit and vegetables, which are especially enticing for these domesticated animals unfamiliar with finding food in the wild. Reports indicate that some monkeys have ventured close to the traps, but have yet to fully enter them, complicating the retrieval efforts.

Community Advisory

As the search continues, police have cautioned residents not to approach the escaped monkeys. There is a strict warning against flying drones near the area since a recent drone incident frightened the monkeys, adding stress to their situation and jeopardizing recovery operations. The community of Yemassee, which has a population of about 2,200 residents, is actively participating by remaining alert and reporting any signs of the primates.

A History of Escapes

This is not the first time Alpha Genesis has experienced a similar incident. In 2014, a total of 26 monkeys escaped from the same facility, prompting a rapid response that resulted in their successful recapture within two days. The U.S. Department of Agriculture previously fined the company for its failure to contain the animals. Such incidents bring attention not only to the safety of the animals but also to the surrounding community.

As of now, the situation is ongoing, and both local law enforcement and Alpha Genesis remain committed to ensuring the safe recovery of all remaining monkeys. The organization houses approximately 7,000 primates, primarily for biomedical studies, which underscores the importance of maintaining secure enclosures.

In conclusion, the situation remains tense but manageable, with efforts underway to bring every monkey back safely to its home. The community’s cooperation and adherence to safety guidelines will be vital in resolving this unusual predicament.