Officials are continuing their efforts to recover the remaining monkeys that escaped from the Alpha Genesis facility in South Carolina. Currently, one monkey has been recovered unharmed, while the others are still located near the property, jumping back and forth over the facility’s fence. The Rhesus macaques escaped after an employee failed to fully lock a door while feeding and checking on them. The monkeys have been observed exploring the outer fence of the compound and interacting with their companions inside the facility.
Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard stated that efforts to recapture all the escaped monkeys will continue throughout the weekend and for as long as necessary. He explained that the monkeys escaped in a group of 50, with only 7 staying behind and 43 going out the door. Westergaard emphasized the importance of not chasing the monkeys to prevent them from becoming spooked and running away. Despite the escape, the monkeys are not considered to pose a risk to public health, as they are bred for medical research purposes and are about the size of a cat, weighing about 7 pounds each.
The facility breeds and sells monkeys for research purposes to various organizations globally. Federal health officials and police have confirmed that the monkeys do not pose a threat to public health. Alpha Genesis is located in Yemassee, South Carolina, approximately 50 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia. The incident has brought attention to the security measures in place at research facilities housing animals and the importance of ensuring proper containment protocols are followed to prevent such instances from occurring in the future.
The escape of the Rhesus macaques has raised concerns about the safety and security protocols at research facilities like Alpha Genesis. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent containment measures to prevent animals from escaping and potentially posing a risk to public health. The ongoing efforts to recapture the escaped monkeys demonstrate the dedication of officials and facility staff to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals and the surrounding community. The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and oversight in the handling and care of animals used for research purposes.
