The local police in Yemassee, South Carolina, United States, are in an intense search after the escape of 43 monkeys from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center, happened on Wednesday night. The event has taken the community by surprise and has led authorities to redouble their efforts to recapture the primates before they become a major problem.
The primates in question are rhesus macaquesa group of very young females that had never been tested. According to statements to local media by an Alpha Genesis spokesperson, these animals “are too young to be carrying diseases,” providing temporary relief to residents concerned about public safety. The company is dedicated to providing primates for medical research, including clinical trials for neurological disorders.
According to the first reports of the case, the primates escaped when a new employee did not properly close one of the security facilitiesallowing the monkeys to come out. “Normally we handle these situations internally, but this time the monkeys managed to leave the complex,” explained Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander, who emphasized that there is “almost no danger” to the public.
Given the situation, Alpha Genesis has implemented a plan to lure the monkeys backusing food as bait. In addition, traps have been set and thermal imaging cameras are being used to locate the animals. The situation has prompted authorities to remind residents to keep their doors and windows closed, thus protecting their homes from potential unwanted encounters.
Yemassee City Manager Matt Garnes told The Hampton County Guardian that the community can remain calm and emphasized that the monkeys are not aggressive and are rather skittish. However, he called for caution: “They’re not like the ones in Planet of the Apes. But if you see any primates, don’t approach them or try to interact with them.”or feed it, call 911.” This recommendation seeks to avoid any dangerous situation for both the primates and the community.
A well-known story
Located in Beaufort County, Alpha Genesis is known for housing one of the largest and most comprehensive non-human primate facilities in the United States. However, Wednesday’s incident is not isolated; leaks of this type have occurred in the pastincluding an incident in 2016 where 19 primates escaped and were recaptured in less than six hours.
Despite the efforts of the company and the police, the rain has made it difficult to recapture the monkeys, further complicating the situation. The authorities have made a Called on the community to remain calm and collaborate in the search.
Additionally, the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center has come under public scrutiny in the past for incidents of escapes and unsafe conditions for animalswhich has generated a series of criticisms of the management of the facility. In 2018, the company was fined by federal authorities after a previous leak and animal welfare issues.
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