Residents on alert after dozens of test monkeys escape research facility

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Residents in a small South Carolina town were put on alert on Wednesday after 43 monkeys escaped from a research facility.

In what evokes memories of a game of Jumanji, the Yemassee Police Department (YPD) posted a warning on social media after the primates fled the Alpha Genesis facility — the number has been confirmed to be 43 and the monkeys were said to be too young to pose a health risk.

“At approximately 1pm on Wednesday November 6, 2024, the Yemassee Police Department received an alert from Alpha Genesis regarding the escape of numerous Rhesus Macaque primates from their enclosures at the Yemassee facility located at 95 Castle Hall Rd, Yemassee SC,” the post said. “The primates are described as very young females weighing approximately 6-7lbs, the animals have never been used for testing due to their young age and size. A spokesperson from Alpha Genesis can confirm that these animals are too young to carry disease.

The warning described the animals as “highly sensitive and easily startled,” and residents were cautioned not to frighten them further.

“Residents are urged to keep their doors and windows securely closed and to report any sightings immediately by dialing 911. Please do not attempt to approach these animals under any circumstances,” the YPD said.

Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard said the escape was “100% human error,” telling CNN the primates escaped after a caretaker failed to secure doors at the facility, which is reportedly home to around 6,500 animals.

“We have placed humane traps and have seen monkeys in the woods next to our property. We have people keeping lookout in the area where they have been spotted,” Westergaard said.

The incident served to heighten awareness that animals are being held at the research facility.

“Absolutely heartbreaking. These animals shouldn’t have been in a lab in the first place. Shame,” one social media user posted.

Another said, “Animal testing is horrible and should be outlawed.”

On a lighter note, with Tuesday’s election fresh in mind, a social media user posted, “From Armageddon to Planet Of The Apes in the same week!!!”

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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.