In brief
A mixed group of young rhesus macaques has fled from a research facility, and local police are urging residents to secure their homes while teams work to safely recapture the primates.
Authorities are on high alert in South Carolina's Lowcountry region following the escape of 43 young rhesus macaques from the Alpha Genesis research facility. The incident occurred after a staff member accidentally left their outdoor enclosure door open, leading the monkeys to make a swift exit into the surrounding woods.Local law enforcement has advised community members to keep doors and windows closed, urging anyone who sees the monkeys to report sightings immediately. Weighing around 7lbs (3.2kg) each, these monkeys are still untested and deemed too young to pose health risks, as confirmed by the Yemassee Police Department.Efforts are underway to locate the escaped group using thermal imaging technology, while traps have been set in hopes of luring the monkeys back with food. Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, expressed his frustration over the escape and shared his hopes for a safe resolution. "It's really like follow-the-leader. You see one go, and the others go," he explained, detailing how out of a group of 50, only 7 stayed behind.Recent weather conditions have complicated the capture efforts, as rain has forced the monkeys to seek shelter, resulting in delays. This incident marks the latest in a series of escapes from the facility, with previous events in both 2016 and 2014. Yemassee, a small town with a population below 1,100, is closely monitoring the situation, with Congresswoman Nancy Mace's office actively gathering information to keep local residents informed. While macaques are sometimes recognized for their aggressive behavior, the local police chief reassured the public: "there is almost no danger to the public."This escape draws parallels to a recent incident in Scotland, where a separate monkey evaded capture for days before being tranquilized and returned to its zoo. As the search continues in South Carolina, authorities remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution.
