In South Carolina, a total of forty-three Rhesus macaque monkeys have broken free from a medical research facility, prompting local law enforcement to reassure residents about their safety. Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander stated that there is “almost no danger” posed to the community, emphasizing that the monkeys are not carrying any diseases and are generally non-threatening, albeit a bit anxious.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, when a new employee at the Alpha Genesis research facility inadvertently left an enclosure unsecured, allowing the primates to escape. While the company typically manages such situations internally, these particular monkeys made their way out of the facility, located approximately one mile from downtown Yemassee.

According to Chief Alexander, the staff at Alpha Genesis are familiar with the escaped monkeys and usually can lure them back with food. However, capturing this group has proven to be more challenging than expected. In response, the facility is currently deploying traps and utilizing thermal imaging technology in an effort to recapture the monkeys that are on the loose.

The chief reiterated that the public should feel secure, but residents are advised to keep their doors and windows shut to prevent the monkeys from entering homes. If anyone happens upon the animals, they are encouraged to contact 911 to facilitate a safe capture by authorities and the research facility staff.

Alpha Genesis, which is situated about 50 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, specializes in providing primates for medical research on a global scale. Attempts to contact the facility for additional information regarding the escape have gone unanswered.

This escape is not the first for Alpha Genesis; in 2018, the company faced fines from federal officials amounting to $12,600 due to multiple incidents, including another escape and conditions that left some primates without water. Furthermore, records show that in 2014, 26 monkeys managed to escape, followed by another 19 in 2016.