Rhesus Monkeys Escape in Yemassee, South Carolina

News Summary

A group of Rhesus macaques made headlines after escaping from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina. On November 6, 2024, 43 monkeys fled, leading to a frantic recovery effort that has so far captured 25 of them. Local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as they track the remaining cheeky primates. The escape was attributed to human error during feeding, raising questions about the facility’s animal welfare practices amid past incidents. Community involvement is crucial in ensuring these monkeys are safely returned.

Yemassee, South Carolina: Rhesus Monkeys on the Loose!

In a rather unusual tale coming out of Yemassee, South Carolina, the local community has found itself in quite the frenzy as a group of Rhesus macaques made their daring escape from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center. On November 6, 2024, a whopping 43 monkeys decided that freedom was more appealing than confined living, leaving many wondering how this all happened and what’s being done to bring them back.

Twists and Turns on the Monkey Recovery Journey

As of Sunday, there’s been a significant breakthrough in the recovery efforts. An additional 24 of the escaping monkeys have been successfully captured, bringing the total number of recovered monkeys to 25. However, 18 more cheeky little primates are still believed to be roaming nearby, particularly near a fence line adjacent to the facility. These furry escapees are described as young females, each weighing between 6 to 7 pounds, and they have yet to be used in any research tasks.

Picture this: these little monkeys have been spotted getting comfy in trees and engaging in what we can only imagine are delightful monkey antics—like grooming each other and climbing up and down branches. Their adorable behavior surely puts a smile on the face of anyone fortunate enough to catch a glimpse!

What Went Wrong at Alpha Genesis?

So, how did all this monkey business come to pass? The situation has been attributed to human error during the feeding and cleaning processes at the research center. An employee failed to properly secure multiple doors, which led to this whole caper. Thankfully, officials have confirmed that there was no structural failure in the containment area, so it seems like the blame lies squarely on carelessness.

Vigilant law enforcement officials, along with Alpha Genesis staff, are working around the clock to safely trap the remaining monkeys using food as bait. In the meantime, they have urged local residents to keep their windows and doors securely locked and to refrain from using drones in the area. It’s believed that the whirring noise of drones could startle the monkeys, making the recovery efforts even trickier.

Health Status and Animal Welfare Concerns

Veterinarians have checked up on the recovered monkeys, and it’s a relief to report they are in good health. However, amidst the chaos, animal rights organizations have raised eyebrows regarding the conditions at Alpha Genesis. Complaints have been filed alleging misconduct, particularly highlighting the tragic incident where 22 monkeys reportedly died due to exposure to chilly temperatures. This has led to some serious scrutiny; the U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently reviewing the complaint against Alpha Genesis.

Community Involvement and Next Steps

The community has been urged to remain vigilant. If anyone spots one of the escaped monkeys, they are advised to contact local authorities right away and not to approach the animals. Despite the challenging circumstances, there’s a sense of hopefulness as the team continues their recovery operation. Trapping methods that employ food are in place, aiming to coax the remaining escapees back to safety.

Looking Ahead

This isn’t the first time Alpha Genesis has faced issues with escapees. Back in 2016, 19 monkeys also made a run for it. With over $130 million in federal funding over the last decade for their research programs, the facility is under further examination for its practices and procedures. With the local police joining forces with both state officials and Alpha Genesis, there’s optimism that this sought-after group of juvenile monkeys will soon be back in their home, safe and sound.

So, hang in there, Yemassee! With a little cooperation and patience, we might just see these curious creatures brought back home where they belong!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Live 5 News
• Wikipedia: Rhesus macaque
• Island Packet
• Google Search: Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center
• WYFF 4
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Monkey
• Post and Courier
• Google News: escaped monkeys yemassee