Over 40 Rhesus Macaques Escape from Beaufort County Facility

News Summary

In Beaufort County, South Carolina, 43 rhesus macaques escaped from the Alpha Genesis research facility due to a caretaker’s mistake. Since the escape on November 6, local authorities have been working to recapture the monkeys, urging residents to avoid approaching them. With prior experiences of escapes, Alpha Genesis aims to safely lure back the monkeys, which surprisingly became local celebrities. By January 24, 2025, all monkeys were recaptured with the help of enticing snacks. The situation highlights the curious and adaptable nature of these primates and the importance of safety measures.

Monkey Business in Beaufort County: Over 40 Rhesus Macaques Escape from Research Facility

Beaufort County, South Carolina, has become the latest playground for a group of adventurous monkeys after more than 40 rhesus macaques managed to break free from the Alpha Genesis research facility. Yes, you read that right—a total of 43 monkeys escaped, and it all started with a careless mistake by a caretaker who failed to secure a door properly.

The Great Escape

This rather unexpected event took place on November 6, sending local authorities into a flurry of activity. Since that day, officials have been working hard to recapture the loose monkeys, setting up traps and employing thermal imaging cameras to track their movements. However, as of November 8, 2024, no monkeys had yet been recaptured, prompting a friendly reminder for residents to keep their doors and windows secured.

A Cautionary Tale

Residents were issued a warning not to approach these curious creatures. If anyone spots a monkey, they should give a quick ring to 911 for assistance. With their playful and bold nature, these monkeys have been spotted frolicking in the nearby woods, and it seems they’ve taken on the role of local celebrities. Alpha Genesis, the facility involved, has been trying to lure the little escapees back with some delicious snacks.

Monkey Antics

The CEO of the facility noted that these monkeys exhibit a typical behavior termed “follow-the-leader”. When one monkey dashed out, the rest followed suit, leading to a whole troop of playful monkeys exploring their new surroundings. Weighing around 6 to 7 pounds, these young female rhesus macaques had not been used for testing yet, making their escape even more lighthearted.

Understanding Rhesus Macaques

Rhesus macaques are captivating creatures known for their boldness, curiosity, and high adaptability, often managing to coexist alongside humans. While these monkeys can carry the B virus, officials assure that the public risk remains low as long as they are not approached. It’s important to remember that while they might look cute and silly, keeping a safe distance is vital for everyone’s safety.

Past Escapes and Future Plans

Interestingly, this isn’t Alpha Genesis’s first rodeo with escaping monkeys. The facility witnessed a notable escape of 19 primates around eight years ago, hinting that lessons from the past might help in dealing with the current situation.

Updates and Rescue Efforts

After a brief time of monkey-mania, reports confirmed that by January 24, 2025, all 43 escapees had been successfully captured and were in good health. The ingenious staff used an enticing bait of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to coax the monkeys back. Watching the escaped monkeys as they engaged in natural behaviors—grooming each other and climbing trees—was a sight to see, and it showcased their adaptability even in the wild.

The Role of Alpha Genesis

The Alpha Genesis facility focuses on breeding monkeys for biomedical research, maintaining a vast colony of around 3,500 rhesus monkeys on Morgan Island, often dubbed “Monkey Island.” The facility is registered with the CDC as a nonhuman primate importer and operates under strict guidelines to ensure the welfare and safety of both the animals and the public. With ongoing research on progressive brain disorders, they also receive substantial funding from government health agencies.

Conclusion

With the monkeys back in their sanctuary, life in Beaufort County can return to normal—at least until the next great monkey escape! In the meantime, residents are reminded to stay aware and enjoy their newfound wildlife neighbors from a safe distance.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Associated Press: Escaped Monkeys
• Wikipedia: Rhesus Macaque
• Live 5 News: Escaped Monkeys
• Google Search: Escaped Monkeys South Carolina
• New York Times: Escaped Monkeys Captured
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhesus Macaque
• CBS News: What We Know About Escaped Monkeys
• Google News: Escaped Monkeys South Carolina
• HuffPost: South Carolina Lab Monkey Escape
• Google Scholar: Rhesus Macaque
• Vox: Escaped Lab Monkeys