Monkey Escape from South Carolina Research Facility Sparks Public Concern

A group of 43 young female monkeys has escaped from a research facility in South Carolina, prompting law enforcement to implore residents to be vigilant and report any sightings as efforts to lure them back continue.

In a surprising turn of events, 43 monkeys have broken loose from the Alpha Genesis research facility in South Carolina, after a keeper accidentally left their enclosure open. The escapees, all young female rhesus macaques weighing around 7 pounds (3.2 kg), have been spotted around the Lowcountry area, leading local authorities to take immediate action.

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is actively working to recapture the monkeys, advising residents to keep their windows and doors closed and to inform police of any sightings. The Yemassee Police Department confirmed that the company is attempting to attract the animals back using food, as efforts to locate them have involved deploying thermal imaging cameras near their wooded hiding spots.

Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard expressed frustration over the incident, noting that the monkeys, which escaped on Wednesday, were merely following one another when the door was left open. He opined that they could find their way back, however, the ongoing rain has complicated capturing efforts. “With the rain, the monkeys have hunkered down, making it harder for us to retrieve them," he stated.

There is no significant public danger, according to the police, as the monkeys have not yet undergone testing and are deemed too young to carry diseases. Notably, past escape incidents have occurred at the facility, including two earlier events where groups of monkeys managed to flee.

Local residents are encouraged to remain alert while officials work to ensure the safe return of the primates. Congresswoman Nancy Mace has been closely monitoring the situation, pledging to provide constituents with relevant updates regarding the bizarre incident.