In brief
The incident has sparked concern among residents as police and the research facility work to safely retrieve the young primates, while previous escape incidents raise questions about ongoing challenges at the lab.
In an unusual turn of events, authorities in South Carolina are on a mission to round up 43 rhesus macaques that recently escaped from Alpha Genesis, a research laboratory in Beaufort County specializing in breeding primates for medical studies. The escape transpired when a keeper inadvertently left the enclosure door ajar, allowing the group of young females, estimated to weigh approximately 7 pounds each, to flee into the surrounding Lowcountry area.Law enforcement officials have advised residents to ensure their homes are securely locked and to report any sightings of the monkeys. The escaped animals are described as skittish, and the police have emphasized the importance of not approaching them. Meanwhile, the research facility is employing traps and utilizing thermal imaging technology to assist in the search for the elusive creatures.CEO of Alpha Genesis, Greg Westergaard, expressed his frustration over the situation, urging for a "happy ending" where the primates voluntarily return to safety. "It’s really a case of follow-the-leader. Once one made a move, the rest followed," he explained. He noted that the monkeys are naturally drawn to food, though he acknowledged that their current wooded environment is lacking their preferred fare—apples.So far, efforts to recapture the monkeys have been complicated by rainy weather, which has made it harder for the animals to be lured back. This incident has raised concerns among local residents, especially since it echoes previous escape attempts from the facility; in 2016, 19 monkeys escaped before being caught just hours later, while another incident in 2014 saw 26 primates on the run.While local police have reassured the public that the monkeys do not pose a significant danger, local Congresswoman Nancy Mace is keeping the community updated on developments regarding the escape. This series of events prompts a broader conversation about the ethical implications of primate testing facilities and the protocols in place to ensure the safety of both animals and local residents. As the search continues, the hope remains that these wild wanderers will soon find their way back to the safety of their home.
