Chaos erupted in Yemassee, South Carolina, after over 40 monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis research facility. The monkeys, 43 young rhesus macaques, broke free around 1 PM on Wednesday, according to the Yemassee Police Department. Alpha Genesis, a major breeder claiming to offer top-quality primate products and bio-research services worldwide, apparently fell short on security, allowing these mischievous primates to roam free.
As of Thursday, authorities have warned residents to lock doors and windows, urging them to avoid approaching or trying to pet the monkeys. The macaques, known for their intelligence and social nature, are young, lively, and playful. While their small size and docile temperament make them ideal research subjects, their energy and curiosity now pose a potential nuisance to the town.
The police reassured the community that the macaques are disease-free, as they haven’t been used in testing due to their age and weight, ranging from six to seven pounds. Though young and harmless, these escapees could stir up unexpected trouble for unprepared residents.
This isn’t Alpha Genesis’s first primate escape; 19 monkeys previously broke out in 2016 but were captured within hours. With the facility housing over 6,700 primates as of May, containment has evidently been a challenge for the company.
To recover the macaques, Alpha Genesis staff are setting up food-baited traps. Police are assisting, using thermal imaging cameras to detect the animals, but the task remains complex. Authorities are aiming for a safe, humane capture, hoping to avoid harm to the macaques.
As the search intensifies, residents are on high alert, while Yemassee police and Alpha Genesis work to bring this chaotic episode to a close without harm to the primates or public.
