43 Monkeys Remain On The Loose In South Carolina Town

The peaceful town of Yemassee, South Carolina, has found itself at the center of a strange event this week: 43 rhesus macaque monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis research facility on Wednesday, prompting a large-scale search effort. The incident began when a caretaker failed to secure a door, allowing the primates to make their escape.

The young monkeys, weighing about 6-7 pounds each, have since been spotted near the wooded areas surrounding the facility. Officials confirmed that the animals pose no health risks, as they are too young to carry disease. However, their timid nature has made it difficult to coax them back to their enclosures.

Search teams have employed humane traps and thermal imaging cameras to locate the animals. CEO Greg Westergaard of Alpha Genesis shared that the monkeys have shown signs of returning to the property. “Several primates have approached the traps and interacted with their companions inside the fence, which is a very positive sign,” Westergaard said.

By Friday, staff observed some of the monkeys engaging in playful behavior near the facility’s perimeter, but they have yet to be fully recaptured. Officials emphasized the importance of patience, urging residents to avoid the area to prevent scaring the animals further. Drones have also been discouraged, as they can increase stress levels for the monkeys.

Authorities are urging local residents to remain vigilant and report sightings immediately while securing their homes against any uninvited visitors. Despite the challenges, the team remains optimistic about safely returning all 43 primates to their enclosures.

The escape has drawn comparisons to a 2016 incident when 19 monkeys fled the same facility. While this escape involves a larger number of animals, officials are confident in their strategy and continue to work tirelessly toward a humane resolution.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR