COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A recent incident in South Carolina involving the escape of 43 monkeys bred for medical research has sparked concern, but officials have reassured the public that one monkey has been safely recovered. The Rhesus macaques made their escape from the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee after an employee failed to fully lock a door while tending to them. Despite the escape, many of the monkeys remained near the property, interacting with those still inside. The CEO of Alpha Genesis has assured that efforts to recover all the animals will continue for as long as necessary.
The monkeys that escaped are all females, roughly the size of a cat, and weigh about 7 pounds. The facility, which breeds the monkeys for sale to medical and other researchers, along with federal health officials and police, have stated that the escaped monkeys do not pose a threat to public health. The primates were seen exploring the outer fence of the compound and interacting with their companions inside, indicating a positive sign. Alpha Genesis, known for providing primates for research worldwide, is located in Yemassee, roughly 50 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia.
The situation raised concerns about the handling and security measures in place at the Alpha Genesis facility, as the monkeys were able to escape due to a door that was not fully secured by an employee. While this incident did not result in harm to the animals or the public, it has prompted officials to ensure that stricter protocols are in place to prevent future escapes. The CEO of Alpha Genesis has expressed a commitment to recovering all the escaped monkeys and maintaining the safety and security of the facility moving forward.
Efforts to recover the escaped monkeys have continued throughout the weekend, with personnel from Alpha Genesis and authorities working to locate and safely return the animals to the facility. The monkeys have been observed interacting with each other near the compound, suggesting that they are not dispersed or creating a public safety risk. Despite the incident, the facility remains operational and focused on its mission of providing primates for medical and research purposes while ensuring the welfare and security of the animals in its care.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper procedures and safeguards in place at research facilities that work with animals, particularly in the context of breeding and supplying animals for medical research. This situation has highlighted the need for enhanced security measures and oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the recovery efforts continue and the escaped monkeys are safely returned, Alpha Genesis and other similar facilities will likely review and strengthen their protocols to ensure the well-being of the animals and prevent any future escapes.
Overall, the reaction to the escape of the monkeys at the Alpha Genesis facility in South Carolina has been met with swift response and efforts to ensure the safety of both the animals and the public. While the situation initially raised concerns, the successful recovery of one monkey and ongoing efforts to locate the others demonstrate a commitment to resolving the issue responsibly. Moving forward, it is expected that measures will be put in place to prevent similar incidents and safeguard the animals within the facility, as well as maintaining the facility’s role in providing primates for vital medical research purposes.
