In South Carolina, a total of 24 monkeys that had escaped from a research facility have been safely recovered, officials announced on Sunday. The monkeys, which were bred for medical research, had managed to get out of their compound in Yemassee last week. Fortunately, more than half of them have now been found unharmed.
According to the police in Yemassee, a significant number of monkeys are still active along the fence line of the compound and have taken shelter in the trees for the night. Despite their escapade, veterinarians have examined the animals and have reported that they are all in good health, which is a relief.
The Rhesus macaques had made their escape last Wednesday when an employee at the Alpha Genesis facility failed to properly secure a door while feeding and checking on them. Since then, the monkeys have been seen exploring the outer fence of the compound and even communicating with the monkeys still inside. This interaction has been viewed as a positive sign by the authorities.
The CEO of Alpha Genesis, Greg Westergaard, has assured that every effort will be made to recover the remaining escaped monkeys. These monkeys, which are approximately the size of a cat and weigh around 7 pounds, are all females. Despite their escape, both the facility and health officials have stated that they do not pose any risk to public health.
Alpha Genesis is known for breeding and supplying primates for research purposes worldwide from its compound in Yemassee. The facility plays a crucial role in providing monkeys for medical and other types of research.
As the search for the remaining escaped monkeys continues, the authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animals and the public. Despite the initial scare, it is reassuring to know that the recovered monkeys are in good health and that measures are being taken to prevent any future incidents like this.
