40 Monkeys Escape U.S. Medical Laboratory
Residents of Yemassee, South Carolina, have been advised against interacting with any monkeys following the escape of 40 animals from a breeding facility. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Police have issued a warning to local residents to steer clear of potentially infectious monkeys following the escape of 40 animals from a research facility.
The monkeys managed to escape from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, situated roughly 60 miles southwest of Charleston, on Wednesday.
“Traps have been set up around the area, and the Yemassee Police Department is currently on-site utilizing thermal imaging cameras in an attempt to locate the animals,” the police stated on Wednesday evening. “Residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows secured to prevent these animals from entering homes.”
Alpha Genesis operates the Yemassee facility to breed monkeys for medical research and testing. The company’s website indicates it offers “nonhuman primate products and bio-research services.” The monkeys are typically utilized for clinical trials relating to various diseases.
The nature of the primates involved in Wednesday’s escape—whether they were test subjects or could potentially transmit any contagion—remains unclear. Consequently, authorities are advising extreme caution when encountering the animals. The Yemassee Sheriff’s Department has instructed that anyone who spots a monkey should refrain from interaction and contact the police.
Details regarding the specific breeds of monkeys that escaped have not been shared by either the police or Alpha Genesis. The company has previously worked with rhesus, macaque, and capuchin monkeys.
This incident marks the second significant monkey escape from Alpha Genesis within the past decade, as reported by the local newspaper, the Beaufort Post and Courier. In 2016, 19 monkeys went missing for approximately six hours before they were successfully rounded up.
In 2023, Alpha Genesis was contracted by the U.S. government to manage ‘Monkey Island,’ a colony off the coast of South Carolina housing around 3,500 primates.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
The monkeys managed to escape from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, situated roughly 60 miles southwest of Charleston, on Wednesday.
“Traps have been set up around the area, and the Yemassee Police Department is currently on-site utilizing thermal imaging cameras in an attempt to locate the animals,” the police stated on Wednesday evening. “Residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows secured to prevent these animals from entering homes.”
Alpha Genesis operates the Yemassee facility to breed monkeys for medical research and testing. The company’s website indicates it offers “nonhuman primate products and bio-research services.” The monkeys are typically utilized for clinical trials relating to various diseases.
The nature of the primates involved in Wednesday’s escape—whether they were test subjects or could potentially transmit any contagion—remains unclear. Consequently, authorities are advising extreme caution when encountering the animals. The Yemassee Sheriff’s Department has instructed that anyone who spots a monkey should refrain from interaction and contact the police.
Details regarding the specific breeds of monkeys that escaped have not been shared by either the police or Alpha Genesis. The company has previously worked with rhesus, macaque, and capuchin monkeys.
This incident marks the second significant monkey escape from Alpha Genesis within the past decade, as reported by the local newspaper, the Beaufort Post and Courier. In 2016, 19 monkeys went missing for approximately six hours before they were successfully rounded up.
In 2023, Alpha Genesis was contracted by the U.S. government to manage ‘Monkey Island,’ a colony off the coast of South Carolina housing around 3,500 primates.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
