A group of escaped lab monkeys remains at large near a South Carolina research facility operated by Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center, sparking concern and prompting local authorities to advise caution. The facility, located near Yemassee, is linked to brain disorder research. While facility management has assured the public that the escaped primates pose no health risk, the Yemassee Police Department is urging residents to avoid the area and secure their homes.
The Great Escape and Ongoing Search
Initially, 43 young rhesus macaques escaped the facility, often referred to as the “monkey farm” by locals, around 1 p.m. ET on November 6th. According to a recent update from the Yemassee Police Department, 18 of these primates remain unaccounted for. These monkeys, all female and weighing approximately six pounds, are too young to have been involved in any research. The police report indicates a “sizable group” remains active near the facility’s perimeter, taking refuge in trees overnight.
Human Error and Previous Incidents
Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard attributed the escape to “purely human error,” stating a caretaker failed to properly secure two doors during routine cleaning and feeding in a new enclosure. This isn’t an isolated incident for Alpha Genesis. The company, which claims to provide “only the best and most cost-effective primate research,” has a history of escapes over the past decade, resulting in thousands of dollars in fines from the Department of Agriculture, according to the Post and Courier.
Capture Efforts and Community Response
Police are urging the public to avoid interacting with the monkeys and refrain from flying drones in the vicinity, as one reportedly startled the animals last week, hindering capture efforts. Captured monkeys are reportedly in “good health,” with one even enjoying a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, according to Westergaard. However, local residents commenting on the police department’s Facebook page expressed concerns about the recurring nature of these escapes.
Monkey Island and Animal Rights Concerns
Alpha Genesis also manages a federally funded research facility on nearby Morgan Island, known locally as “Monkey Island,” housing thousands of primates. This facility faces ongoing scrutiny from animal rights advocates and South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who has criticized the substantial taxpayer funding allocated to animal research. In a January post on X (formerly Twitter), Mace stated, “Taxpayers should not be forced to spend $20 billion per year on wasteful and cruel experiments involving dogs, cats, monkeys, and other animals.”
Conclusion: The Escape Continues
The search continues for the remaining escaped lab monkeys near the South Carolina research facility. While authorities assure the public there is no immediate danger, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the security of research facilities. The situation also underscores the debate surrounding the ethics and cost-effectiveness of primate research, a topic that continues to draw attention from lawmakers and animal rights activists alike.
