A little over a month ago, Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina, was in possession of 50 rhesus macaque primates, which were being studied for progressive brain disorders. These monkeys have brown fur with red faces and ears and are typically found in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Southeast Asia, and China. These monkeys were initially imported into the U.S. in the 1970s for biomedical research. But on November 6, 2024, the monkey’s caretaker failed to correctly secure the enclosure door, allowing the monkeys to run free.
After the incident occurred, CBS News interviewed Greg Westergaard, the CEO of Alpha Genesis, to figure out the real story. “It’s really like follow-the-leader. You see one go, and the others go,” he said. “It was a group of 50 and 7 stayed behind and 43 bolted out the door.” In an attempt to get the monkeys back to the facility, Westergaard stated that the company had laid out baited traps along with a thermal imaging camera, but the monkeys were “reluctant” to go inside said traps. “They’re just being goofy monkeys jumping back and forth playing with each other,” Westergaard said. “It’s kind of like a playground situation here.”
As of November 18, 2024, the last update on the monkeys’ whereabouts, 39 of the 43 primates were captured, brought back to the facility, and are now safe and sound. Since the 18th, they have been unable to capture the remaining four primates. The Associated Press reported the other monkeys were only a few yards away from the property, jumping all over the facility’s fence. “Residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows secured to prevent these animals from entering homes.” South Carolina Police said. “If you spot any of the escaped animals, please contact 911 immediately and refrain from approaching them.”
