In a surprising event, dozens of macaque monkeys recently escaped from a medical research lab in the small town of Yemassee, South Carolina. This unusual situation has brought public safety concerns to the forefront. Local authorities urged residents to lock their doors and windows to prevent the curious primates from entering their homes. The monkeys’ escape has also sparked a renewed conversation about the safety standards and accountability of research facilities working with animals. Fortunately, some of them were captured and brought to safety.
How 43 Monkeys Fled the Research Lab
Last Wednesday afternoon, at around 1 p.m., 43 rhesus macaque monkeys made their escape from the Alpha Genesis research facility. The lab conducts drug and vaccine testing for infectious diseases. It is located in the town of Yemassee, just west of Charleston, South Carolina. The lab provides the highest quality nonhuman primate products and bio-research services across the world. Alpha Genesis currently has a client base that extends across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The incident took place when an employee at the facility left an enclosure door open while feeding and checking on the monkeys. Local law enforcement responded quickly. They warned Yemassee’s 1,000 residents to secure their homes and avoid direct contact with the escaped animals.
Immediate Police Action
Upon learning of the escape, police promptly deployed traps and thermal cameras around Yemassee to track down and capture the monkeys. Despite their efforts, heavy rain slowed down the initial search. Therefore, the monkeys were on the loose as of 11 a.m. the following day. Police stated that the public was not at risk. However, the sight of monkeys roaming freely created a sense of unease in the community.
The sheriff’s department also emphasized the importance of community cooperation, urging residents to call 911 if they spotted any of the escaped animals. As part of their warning, they advised residents not to approach the monkeys. This is mainly due to the unpredictable nature of wild animals in unfamiliar environments.
Alpha Genesis Facility’s Troubling Escape Record
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Alpha Genesis has faced problems with escaped animals. The facility has a history of such incidents, raising questions about its containment protocols. For instance:
- 2014: A group of 26 monkeys managed to escape from the facility and remained on the loose for two days. Within a week of that incident, another monkey escaped and was never found.
- 2016: A monkey escaped because its cage was improperly secured with a clip instead of a lock.
- 2022: Three monkeys escaped after a vehicle transporting them to the lab was involved in an accident.
In 2018, these repeated escapes led to a $12,000 federal fine for Alpha Genesis. The fine covered six safety violations, including cage security issues and incidents that left monkeys severely dehydrated. In one case, a monkey was placed in the wrong social group and suffered fatal injuries from an attack. These issues highlight the challenges and responsibilities that come with housing animals for medical research.
Alpha Genesis operates other facilities, including one on Morgan Island, where it houses over 5,000 monkeys for clinical research. CEO Greg Westergaard confirmed the recent escape to WSAV, explaining that the monkeys got out because “a worker left their enclosure door open while it was being cleaned.”
Public Safety Measures and Community Concerns
In response to the situation, the Yemassee Sheriff’s Department urged residents to secure their homes and remain vigilant. Although police stated there was “no health risk” to the public, some residents expressed concern about the animals potentially entering their homes. On social media, one local resident voiced their frustration on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “The monkeys escape from Yemassee every year. That s*** happens every year! The workers forget to lock up the cages and they go crazy!” This comment reflects growing concerns within the community about Alpha Genesis’s ability to maintain proper containment.
Biology and Behavior of Rhesus Macaques
The rhesus macaques involved in this escape are small, weighing around 6 to 7 pounds, and are young females. They have a distinctive appearance, with brown or greyish fur and pink faces. Originally from South, Central, and Southeast Asia, these macaques are highly adaptable, and often found in various habitats, from forests and grasslands to urban areas.
Their intelligence and agility make rhesus macaques especially difficult to capture. According to officials, the escaped monkeys are “skittish” and can easily be startled by noise or movement, which complicates recapture efforts. These animals face potential dangers, such as starvation or injury, if they are mishandled or become too distressed during attempts to bring them back safely. This is why police have advised the public not to approach the monkeys and instead to alert authorities.
Rescue Efforts Capture 25 Monkeys
As of Sunday night, Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard reported that 25 of the 43 monkeys had been safely recaptured. According to Westergaard, the monkeys were “safe and sound and in good health” and were even enjoying snacks. The remaining monkeys were spotted near the facility’s fence, where they continued to move back and forth. Police and facility staff are still monitoring the area and using traps to bring the remaining animals back to safety.
Long-Term Solutions and Accountability
The repeated escapes from Alpha Genesis highlight a need for improved security measures at the facility. To regain the public’s trust, Alpha Genesis may consider implementing stricter containment protocols and enhancing transparency with the local community. These steps could reassure residents that the facility is committed to preventing future incidents and prioritizing public safety.
Conclusion
The escape of 43 rhesus macaques from Alpha Genesis raises concerns about safety standards at research facilities housing animals. For the residents of Yemassee, this incident has been an unsettling experience, underscoring the importance of rigorous security practices in places dealing with wildlife. Moving forward, it remains to be seen whether Alpha Genesis can make the necessary improvements to restore confidence in its operations, both within the community and beyond.
Also read,
