A wave of surprise and concern swept through Yemassee as more than 40 monkeys broke free from a medical research facility on November 6. According to the Yemassee Police Department, the 43 rhesus macaque monkeys made their escape from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center after an employee reportedly left a door open while cleaning their enclosure.
As of November 7, the monkeys remain at large. Although the facility houses thousands of monkeys used for biomedical research, this escape has captured significant public attention, with police and local officials working diligently to track down the wandering primates. Thermal imaging cameras and strategically placed traps have been set up around the area to assist in the capture efforts.
No Immediate Health Risk, but Precautions Encouraged
In an official statement, Yemassee Police assured residents that the monkeys pose no direct health threat. However, authorities advise locals to keep doors and windows securely closed to prevent any uninvited primates from entering their homes. If residents spot any of the monkeys, they are urged not to approach them but to contact 911 immediately.
Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, expressed confidence that the monkeys might naturally return to the facility, explaining to WSAV-TV that, in past incidents, many monkeys had come back on their own. Despite the disruption, Westergaard described this as an isolated incident resulting from human error rather than a systemic issue with containment at the research center.
Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center: A Major Facility in Biomedical Research
Alpha Genesis, based in Beaufort County, is among the world’s largest providers of non-human primates for scientific research. The facility has a significant role in breeding rhesus macaque monkeys for medical testing purposes, supplying critical models for the biomedical field. Earlier in 2023, Alpha Genesis secured a federal contract to manage a colony on Morgan Island, also known as “Monkey Island,” located off the South Carolina coast. This contract expanded its role in breeding monkeys specifically for research.
This isn’t the first time Alpha Genesis has faced an escape incident. In 2016, 19 monkeys managed to break free, though they were captured within six hours. The recurrence of these events raises questions about security measures at the facility, though no reports have indicated threats to public safety from previous escapes.
A Coordinated Effort to Secure and Return the Monkeys
In response to the current escape, the Yemassee Police Department is collaborating with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and state agricultural and wildlife officials to bring the monkeys back to Alpha Genesis. The authorities aim to conduct the search and capture as humanely as possible, prioritizing both public safety and the well-being of the monkeys.
As the search continues, residents in the area are staying vigilant, with many expressing hope that the situation will be resolved without incident. This unusual breakout has sparked widespread interest and concern, reminding the public of the intricate balance between wildlife management and scientific research.
With ongoing efforts and the community on high alert, Yemassee waits to see if the escapees will indeed return home – or if they’ll require a little extra help to find their way back.