Over 40 Monkeys Escape South Carolina Facility; Residents Urged to Stay Alert

South Carolina authorities warned residents to lock doors and windows after over 40 monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis research facility in Beaufort County. By early Friday, none had been recaptured. Police have set up traps and are using thermal cameras to locate the monkeys, which were last seen in a nearby wooded area.

Alpha Genesis confirmed that 43 young female rhesus macaques, weighing about 6-7 pounds and not used for testing, escaped due to a caretaker leaving a door unsecured. CEO Greg Westergaard expressed frustration, explaining that once one monkey left, others followed. Staff are attempting to lure the monkeys back with food like apples.

The police assured residents there is no health risk but advised against approaching the animals. Alpha Genesis is a primate research facility registered with the CDC, which stated that as long as people avoid contact, the public risk remains low.

This is not the first time animals have escaped from the facility, which has faced fines and scrutiny from animal activists in the past.