A Real-Life Adventure Begins
People in a small town in South Carolina are dealing with a real-life adventure after 43 monkeys escaped from a research center on Wednesday, causing a situation that feels like a scene from the movie Jumanji. The unexpected escape has left residents on high alert and created a lot of curiosity and excitement in the community, as local authorities and wildlife experts work tirelessly to bring the monkeys back safely.
Monkeys on the Loose
The monkeys, called rhesus macaques, got out of the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee and were still on the loose as of Thursday evening. Officials think the monkeys are hiding in the woods near the facility, according to an update from the Yemassee Police Department. The search area is quite large, making it challenging for the authorities to track the primates, especially since the wooded area has a lot of hiding spots for the monkeys.
“Residents are strongly advised to lock all doors and windows to keep the monkeys from getting into homes,” the police said in a Facebook post late Wednesday night. Authorities are doing everything they can to prevent any incidents involving the monkeys, especially if they end up near residential areas. People have been urged to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for any unusual activity around their homes.
Efforts to Lure the Monkeys Back
By Thursday morning, workers at Alpha Genesis had spotted the monkeys and were trying to lure them back using food, police said in an update. The staff is using different types of food that the monkeys enjoy to coax them out of hiding. Officials have told people not to approach the monkeys and to call 911 right away if they see any. The escaped monkeys are all young, weigh between 6 to 7 pounds, and are too young to have been used for testing or to carry diseases. Their young age makes them more vulnerable, and the authorities want to ensure they are brought back safely without harm.
“The monkeys are very shy and like to stay in groups,” said Yemassee Police Chief Greg Garnes. The monkeys are not dangerous, but they might be getting hungrier and more restless, he added. Hunger could make the monkeys more unpredictable, so it is important for the community to be cautious and avoid startling them. The fact that they tend to move in groups is helpful for tracking them, as it makes them easier to spot when they gather together.
Tracking the Monkeys
To help catch the monkeys, traps have been set, and the police are using thermal cameras to find them. The use of thermal imaging cameras is proving to be a crucial tool in locating the monkeys, especially during the night when visibility is low. The police department is also working with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and state wildlife officials to track down the monkeys. The combined efforts of multiple agencies are helping ensure that all resources are being used to bring the situation under control as soon as possible.
Human Error Behind the Escape
Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard said the escape happened because of “100% human error,” as a caretaker forgot to properly lock the doors. “We have set humane traps and have seen the monkeys in the woods near our property,” Westergaard said. He added that teams are watching closely in areas where the primates have been spotted. The CEO expressed regret for the incident and reassured the public that everything possible is being done to bring the monkeys back safely. The center is committed to making sure such incidents do not happen again in the future.
About Alpha Genesis
The Alpha Genesis facility is one of the biggest primate research centers in the United States. It focuses on research with nonhuman primates for the biomedical community. The center has over 100 acres of land used for research and breeding purposes. The large area gives the monkeys plenty of space to roam, which is generally good for their well-being, but it also makes capturing escaped monkeys more difficult. The facility has been in operation for years and plays an important role in research that helps advance medical science.
Keeping the Public Safe
Officials are telling the public to stay away from the monkeys. “The monkeys are very sensitive and easily scared,” the Yemassee Police Department said. “We recommend that people stay out of the area so they don’t frighten them even more.” Authorities are especially worried that if the monkeys get scared, they might run further away, making it harder to bring them back. Keeping a calm environment is key to making sure the monkeys can be safely captured and returned to the research center.
Not the First Escape
This isn’t the first time monkeys have escaped in South Carolina. In 2016, 19 monkeys got out from the same facility, but they were caught and returned within six hours, according to the Beaufort County Post and Courier. That incident was also caused by human error, and it highlighted the challenges of containing a large number of animals. The previous escape was resolved quickly, but it serves as a reminder of how important it is to follow safety procedures to prevent future incidents. Local residents hope that this current situation will be resolved soon and that the monkeys will be safely returned without any harm.