Police are searching for 40 escaped monkeys from a South Carolina research facility
Police are searching for 40 escaped monkeys from a South Carolina research facility
40 monkeys escaped from a research institution late Wednesday night, and South Carolina authorities are searching for them. Police, specialist equipment, and community warnings have been used in the massive hunt for the primates, which escaped from the Alpha Genesis research institution in Yemassee, Beaufort County.
More:
- October 16: Historic Events and Global Observances on
- 2025 IRS Tax Brackets Inflation Adjustments
- Climate Change Impacts in the United States
- Supply Chain Issues and Inflation: A Comprehensive Overview
- Death of the Largest Captive Crocodile in the World
On its website, Alpha Genesis states that it offers “nonhuman primate products and bio-research services.” With a focus on using monkeys in clinical trials to investigate therapies for brain diseases and other ailments, the institution is among the biggest of its type in the United States.
Yemassee police have responded to the breakout by setting traps and using thermal imaging cameras to catch the animals. In order to keep the monkeys out of houses, the Yemassee Sheriff’s Department released a statement asking citizens to lock their windows and doors. Additionally, the message cautioned anybody who sees a monkey to call 911 right away rather than approach or engage with it.
According to the Alpha Genesis website, the facility normally houses macaque and capuchin monkeys, however the sheriff’s department did not confirm the exact species of the fugitive primates. Since it is uncertain if the animals were exposed to any infectious agents, it is also unclear what kind of trials they were taking part in at the time of their escape and whether they may be harmful to human health. Media questions on the event have not yet received a response from Alpha Genesis.
On Morgan Island, which sits off the coast of South Carolina, Alpha Genesis also oversees a sizable primate colony known as “Monkey Island.” About 3,500 monkeys are kept on the government financed island colony for similar study.
In recent years, there have been several instances of primates escaping Alpha Genesis. This year’s May incident necessitated quick recapture attempts, while in 2016, 19 escaped monkeys were found within six hours. Three monkeys escaped following a transport truck accident in Pennsylvania in 2022 in a situation identical to this one.
Because of the possible health risks as well as the difficulties in locating and apprehending the primates, local authorities are handling this escape with caution. Police and the institution are working together to assure the monkeys’ safe return, and efforts are still underway to find and secure the creatures.
You also may like: newstimzone.com/news
