43 monkeys escaped South Carolina
The peaceful town of Yemassee, South Carolina, has been thrust into an unexpected adventure as 43 monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis research facility, triggering a comprehensive search operation and raising concerns about facility security. This incident marks the third major escape from the same facility, prompting questions about safety protocols and oversight.
Table of Contents
In a surprising turn of events on Wednesday, a simple human error led to a dramatic escape when a keeper left an outdoor enclosure door open. The young female rhesus macaques, each weighing approximately 7 pounds, seized their opportunity for freedom, with 43 of the original group of 50 making their break into the surrounding Lowcountry wilderness.
43 monkeys escaped South Carolina
Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, described the incident with a mix of frustration and hope, explaining the herd mentality that led to the mass escape. “It’s really like follow-the-leader. You see one go and the others go,” he explained to CBS News. The remaining seven monkeys chose to stay behind, perhaps less adventurous than their escaped companions.
Local authorities have launched a comprehensive search operation, employing modern technology including thermal-imaging cameras to track the primates. The Yemassee Police Department has established a perimeter and set up traps in strategic locations, while working closely with facility staff who are attempting to lure the animals back using their favorite food – apples.
Despite the concerning nature of the escape, Police Chief Gregory Alexander has assured residents that the risk to public safety is minimal. The monkeys, being young and untested, are reportedly too young to carry diseases. However, authorities are taking no chances and have urged residents to keep their doors and windows secured and to avoid any attempts to approach or capture the animals.
The incident has drawn attention from higher levels of government, with Congresswoman Nancy Mace announcing that her office is actively gathering information to keep constituents informed. This level of involvement underscores the seriousness with which local authorities are treating the situation.
The search efforts have faced additional challenges due to inclement weather, with rain forcing the monkeys to hunker down in the wooded areas surrounding the facility. Westergaard remains optimistic, noting that the limited food options in the wild might encourage the primates to return voluntarily, particularly given their fondness for apples which aren’t readily available in their current environment.
This latest incident has brought Alpha Genesis’s security protocols under scrutiny, as it follows two previous escapes – one in 2016 involving 19 monkeys and another in 2014 with 26 primates. While both previous groups were successfully recovered, these recurring incidents raise questions about the facility’s security measures and operational procedures.
The ongoing situation in Yemassee serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by research facilities housing primates and the importance of maintaining strict security protocols. As the search continues, both authorities and facility staff remain hopeful for a safe resolution to this unusual escape.
Read More: Delhi Ganesh: From Air Force Veteran to Legendary Character Actor, A Journey to Cherish!
FAQs
Q1: What should residents do if they spot one of the escaped monkeys?
If you encounter any of the escaped monkeys:
Do not approach or attempt to capture them
Keep your distance and avoid direct eye contact
Immediately contact local authorities
Keep doors and windows secured
Document the location and time of sighting
Stay calm and avoid sudden movements
Keep children and pets indoors
Q2: Are these escaped monkeys dangerous to the public?
According to officials:
The risk to public safety is minimal
The monkeys are young and untested
They are too young to carry diseases
They are described as “skittish” rather than aggressive
They tend to avoid human contact
Professional handlers are managing the situation
Proper precautions should still be taken
