Officials announced that 24 of the 43 Rhesus macaques that escaped from a South Carolina research facility have been safely recovered. The monkeys escaped from Alpha Genesis in Beaufort County due to an employee’s failure to secure a door properly. The incident led to immediate action from the Yemassee Police Department, who, along with Alpha Genesis personnel, worked to resolve the situation. Authorities have set up traps and are using thermal imaging cameras to locate the remaining monkeys. Residents are advised to keep doors and windows secured and to contact 911 if they spot any escaped primates.
The remaining monkeys have been seen exploring the facility’s outer fence line and interacting with monkeys still inside, which is aiding recovery efforts. Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard confirmed that the recovery efforts will continue until all the animals are safely returned to the facility. This incident has brought attention to the facility’s safety record and operational practices, with previous concerns raised by the USDA regarding infrastructure issues and previous incidents that posed risks to animals. The facility provides nonhuman primate products and bio-research services across multiple continents and has faced similar escape incidents in the past.
In 2016, Alpha Genesis had a similar escape incident where 19 monkeys got out but were successfully recovered within six hours. Currently, a group of escaped monkeys remains near the compound’s fence line, with some taking shelter in trees. Veterinarians have confirmed that the recovered animals are in good health, providing reassurance that the primates are not posing a public health risk. The laboratory is approximately 50 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, and continues to work on recovering all the escaped monkeys. The facility’s work includes supporting clinical trials for research on brain disorders and has one of the largest nonhuman primate facilities in the US.
The incident has raised concerns about the facility’s safety standards and practices, especially following previous scrutiny from the USDA for various issues, including enclosure design flaws and incidents leading to animal injuries or deaths. Alpha Genesis has implemented improvements following previous incidents, but the recent escape has reignited the focus on the facility’s operational procedures and animal care protocols. Efforts are ongoing to locate and retrieve the remaining escaped monkeys, with authorities urging caution and prompt reporting from residents if any monkeys are sighted.
Overall, the incident involving the escaped monkeys from Alpha Genesis in South Carolina has showcased the importance of proper facility safety measures and the care and handling of research animals. The swift response from local authorities and the collaboration with the research facility are essential in resolving such situations and ensuring the safety of both the animals and the community. As recovery efforts continue, it is crucial to address any underlying issues that contributed to the escape and to prevent similar incidents in the future to safeguard the well-being of the animals involved.
