Missing Monkeys: Rescue Efforts Continue in South Carolina

Imagine 43 young Rhesus macaques out for a wild adventure in South Carolina! These little escapees, weighing only 6 to 7 pounds each, got a taste of freedom last Wednesday when a caretaker forgot to lock two doors at the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee. The research lab is about 60 miles west of Charleston and focuses on providing nonhuman primate products and bio-research services. Authorities have been working hard to catch these curious creatures. Over the weekend, 25 of them were safely captured, followed by an additional five on Monday. That leaves 13 more monkeys still exploring the great outdoors. The local police department has been updating the public, and they were quick to share the good news about the latest captures. They've also reminded everyone to keep their distance and secure their homes to avoid any unexpected monkey visitors.

The police have been diligently working to catch the remaining primates, emphasizing that it’s crucial for the public to avoid the area and not operate drones nearby. Drones can scare the monkeys and cause unnecessary stress, making it harder to rescue them safely. They’ve assured the public that efforts to capture the rest of the monkeys will continue as needed. Alpha Genesis' CEO, Greg Westergaard, explained that the escape happened during feeding and cleaning time. Unfortunately, the caretaker didn't lock two doors of a new enclosure, leading to the mass escape. The monkeys involved are young females that haven't been exposed to experiments yet. It's important to note that these animals are used in research to help find cures for brain diseases.

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