Four Rhesus Macaque Monkeys Captured After Two-Month Escape

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News Summary

A group of four rhesus macaque monkeys, who escaped from a research facility in South Carolina, have been recaptured after living in the wild for nearly two months. Their adventure began on November 6, 2024, when a gate was inadvertently left unlocked. The monkeys were able to survive harsh weather, including snowfall, before being captured with the help of local authorities and humane traps. This incident has sparked discussions about animal welfare and the operations of the research facility, Alpha Genesis.

Four Rhesus Macaque Monkeys Caught After Two-Month Adventure in South Carolina Woods

In a surprising turn of events that has captivated the local community, four of the 43 rhesus macaque monkeys that made a daring escape from a research facility in South Carolina have finally been recaptured after spending almost two months living freely in the wild. This unusual story began on November 6, 2024, when an employee inadvertently failed to secure the monkeys’ enclosure at Alpha Genesis, a medical research facility often referred to as “the monkey farm.”

How Did They Escape?

It seems like an innocent mistake led to this incredible escape. Workers were expected to lock one gate before opening another, but human error allowed a group of monkeys to break free. As the monkeys took off, they settled into the surrounding woods near the facility, prompting a series of efforts to locate and capture the little escapees.

Living Wild and Free

During their two-month adventure, these monkeys experienced some unusual weather. The area faced its first snowfall in seven years, accumulating up to three inches of snow. Despite the chilly conditions, all four of the monkeys—who generally weigh around 7 pounds and are roughly the size of a cat—managed to stay safe and healthy.

Getting Them Back

The process of recapturing the monkeys involved deploying humane traps and luring them with delicious snacks. The team used treats like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and specially formulated “monkey biscuits” to entice the monkeys to approach. Thanks to the close collaboration with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and state wildlife officials, the search party was able to track down the monkeys using traps and thermal imaging cameras.

Safety First

As the monkeys evaded capture, local police assured residents that the escapees posed no risk to public health. Federal health officials backed this claim, and people were advised to keep their doors and windows secured to keep the adventurous primates outside. Interestingly, the police warned against using drones in the area, as the buzzing sound had spooked the monkeys, making them hard to catch!

The Facility’s History

Alpha Genesis, which has been in operation since the late 1800s, is recognized as one of the world’s largest breeders of monkeys for scientific research purposes. These fascinating creatures share approximately 93% of their DNA with humans, and they are originally native to the Himalayan Mountains in Northern India. While the escaped monkeys were eventually recaptured, this is not the first time that monkeys have made a dash for freedom from Alpha Genesis—in 2016, 19 monkeys managed to escape for a brief period of six hours.

Concerns about Animal Welfare

Despite the excitement surrounding this escape and recapture, it’s important to note that Alpha Genesis has faced scrutiny regarding animal welfare practices. Recent allegations of past misconduct and carelessness that may have endangered the monkeys are currently being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With over $130 million received in federal health agency funding over the past decade, the operations of the facility are now under greater scrutiny as whistleblower complaints come to light.

Conclusion

The recapture of the four monkeys, all females, marks an end to their thrilling escapade and a return to their previous home. As everyone breathes a sigh of relief, this story serves as a reminder of the bond between humans and animals and highlights the need for care in handling these incredible creatures. The local community can now return to their regular routines, but the tale of these adventurous monkeys will undoubtedly be a hot topic of conversation for weeks to come!