In a startling incident, 43 rhesus macaque monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis research facility in Yemassee, South Carolina, on November 6. Officials and Alpha Genesis staff have since been working to recapture the animals, with a majority of the monkeys recovered as of Friday. However, several remain at large, sparking widespread concern among residents and animal rights advocates alike.

How Did They Escape?

The escape occurred after a caretaker failed to secure an enclosure door during routine feeding and cleaning. Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard described the incident as “purely human error” in interviews with the Associated Press. The young monkeys, described as playful and curious, quickly exploited the oversight and scattered into the wooded areas surrounding the 100-acre facility. Thermal imaging cameras, baited traps, and even peanut butter sandwiches have been employed in attempts to lure the monkeys back, but recovery efforts have been hindered by bad weather and the monkeys' agility.

Residents on Alert

Authorities have urged residents to secure their homes and avoid direct contact with the animals. While the monkeys are not known to carry diseases due to their young age and lack of exposure to testing, officials remain cautious. Yemassee Police emphasized that anyone spotting the monkeys should immediately contact 911. "These animals are highly sensitive and easily startled," the department noted in a statement shared on social media.

A Facility Under Scrutiny

Alpha Genesis, a leading supplier of nonhuman primates for biomedical research, has faced repeated scrutiny over its handling of animals. Reports from NBC News reveal a troubling history of USDA violations, including incidents where enclosures failed to prevent escapes. Notably, in 2014, 26 monkeys broke free, and in 2016, another 19 escaped, though both groups were eventually recaptured. These episodes, coupled with the latest escape, have intensified criticism of the facility’s practices.

Political and Public Backlash

The escape has drawn the attention of U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, who has called for a federal investigation into Alpha Genesis. In a letter to the USDA and NIH, Mace accused the facility of "a disturbing history of animal welfare violations and public safety risks." She pointed to over $110 million in federal contracts awarded to the company since 2008, demanding greater oversight to ensure the safety of both animals and residents.

"South Carolinians should not bear the risk of this lab’s negligence," Mace wrote, as reported by USA Today.

Animal Rights Advocates React

Animal advocacy groups, including PETA and Born Free USA, have joined calls for stricter regulation of facilities like Alpha Genesis. The groups argue that such incidents highlight the ethical and logistical challenges of using primates in research. Experts like Noah Snyder-Mackler of Arizona State University note that rhesus macaques are particularly resourceful and social, traits that make them valuable for research but also contribute to escape risks.

The Ongoing Recovery Effort

Alpha Genesis staff, working alongside local authorities, have emphasized their commitment to safely recovering the remaining monkeys. Westergaard described the process as slow but deliberate, avoiding tactics that might further alarm the animals. "This is all like what we want to see," he told the Associated Press, referring to the monkeys staying close to the facility. However, as days pass, concerns grow about their safety and well-being.

The escape of these 43 monkeys has not only disrupted a small South Carolina town but also reignited debates about animal welfare and research ethics. As the search continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex responsibilities that come with housing and handling intelligent, resourceful animals. For the residents of Yemassee, the priority remains clear: ensuring the safe return of all missing primates.

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