South Carolina Primates Escape Incident Update

News Summary

Authorities in South Carolina report that 39 out of 43 rhesus macaque monkeys that escaped from the Alpha Genesis facility have been recovered. The majority of recaptures took place over the weekend, with updates indicating four monkeys still at large. Local residents are advised to secure their properties as concerns grow over safety and animal welfare following the incident. The escape was attributed to human error during enclosure securing, raising questions about the facility’s handling and containment protocols amidst political and public scrutiny.

South Carolina – A total of 39 of the 43 rhesus macaque monkeys that escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina, have been recovered as of the latest updates. The majority of these recoveries occurred on a Sunday, with 24 monkeys recaptured after a prior recovery of one monkey that brought the total to 39. However, four monkeys are still at large, believed to be nearby, often spotted in trees.

Veterinarians have examined all the recovered monkeys and confirmed that they are in good health. The remaining four escapees are suspected to be near the fence surrounding the facility, exhibiting natural behaviors such as grooming and tree-climbing, which has raised minor concerns among local residents.

Local Safety Concerns and Response

In response to the escape, local law enforcement has advised residents to ensure their windows and doors are secured and to avoid certain areas while the search for the remaining monkeys continues. Meanwhile, Greg Westergaard, the CEO of Alpha Genesis, has announced a commitment to continue pursuing the missing monkeys until all are accounted for.

Details of the Escape Incident

The escape incident was attributed to “human error,” according to Westergaard, who indicated that a caretaker failed to secure two doors in a new enclosure. This incident marks the third significant escape from Alpha Genesis in the past decade, prompting renewed scrutiny regarding the facility’s containment measures.

Animal Welfare and Regulatory Scrutiny

Alpha Genesis is a facility that breeds primates for medical research, drawing a significant portion of its funding from taxpayer dollars. Concerns about animal welfare have emerged, particularly following reports of 22 monkeys allegedly dying during a recent cold snap. In light of these issues, a complaint regarding potential misconduct at Alpha Genesis has been submitted to the USDA, which is currently under review. This particular situation has amplified the already raised alarms about the treatment of primates at the facility.

Political Response and Accountability

Local political figures, including South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace, have criticized Alpha Genesis for its handling of the escape and called for greater accountability regarding the care of the animals. The state’s representatives have expressed growing concerns over how the facility manages the care and containment of its primate population.

Public Perception and Conflicting Reports

Despite Alpha Genesis’s assurances that all 43 monkeys have now been accounted for, discrepancies have arisen from conflicting reports by various sources including PETA and local witnesses suggesting otherwise. Such inconsistencies contribute to public unease about the facility’s operational practices and the broader implications of its breeding programs.

Current Status and Next Steps

As the search for the remaining four monkeys continues, the facility and local authorities remain vigilant. The surrounding community is kept updated about safety and guidelines as the situation develops. Alpha Genesis’s ongoing commitment to secure the escapees underscores the facility’s responsibility to address both public safety concerns and animal welfare issues going forward.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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• Wikipedia: Rhesus Macaque
• Google Search: Escaped Monkeys South Carolina
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• Google News: South Carolina Monkey Escape