43 Monkeys Escape From Beaufort County

YEMASSEE, S.C.

It’s unlikely that any of the 43 monkeys that escaped from a facility in Beaufort County will make their way to Greenville.

But if you see monkeys frolicking near you, resist the urge to hug and feed them.  Long shot or not, leave those fury primates alone and call authorities. Keep yourself and your family safe.

None of the more than 40 monkeys that escaped a research facility in Beaufort County earlier this week have been captured.

The primates, 43 rhesus macaques, escaped from the Alpha A public information officer for the Town of Yemassee.  The officer said the primates were “playfully exploring the perimeter fence of the facility” while also engaging with others inside by “cooing to them.”

Staff from Alpha Genesis were keeping a close watch on the monkeys while keeping a safe distance.

“The primates were exhibiting calm and playful behavior, which is a positive indication,” officials said. “We kindly urge the public to stay clear of this area as Alpha Genesis works diligently to safely recover these animals and return them to their habitats unharmed.” The Primate Research Center was not fully shut. And the primates have been on the lam ever since.

Alpha Genesis maintained there was no threat to public health. The monkeys were described as very young females weighing roughly 6-7 pounds.

A facility spokesman said that the animals had never been used for testing because of their young age and weight, and added the animals are too young to carry diseases.

Residents have been asked to keep their doors and windows securely shut, and to stay away from the area. Law enforcement and workers from the facility have set up traps and thermal imaging cameras around the area and are working to safely and humanely capture the animals, while also enticing them back home with food.

These animals are highly sensitive and easily startled," the Yemassee Police Department said. "The public is advised to avoid the area as these animals are described as skittish and any additional noise or movement could hinder their safe capture."

This is not the first time that the monkeys escaped the facility. In 2016, 19 monkeys escaped from Alpha Genesis and were captured almost six hours later, while 26 monkeys escaped in December 2014.

Alpha Genesis − which conducts research projects for government, university, and private industry clients, according to their website − did not immediately respond to requests for a comment on the incident.