A highly unusual and potentially dangerous situation unfolded on Wednesday when 40 monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina, sparking a rapid response from authorities. Located about 60 miles southwest of Charleston, the facility specializes in breeding primates for medical research, including clinical trials for infectious diseases.
Authorities have warned residents of Yemassee and surrounding areas to avoid contact with the animals, which may carry unknown contagions. The Yemassee Police Department has set up traps and deployed thermal imaging cameras to track the escaped monkeys, who fled the facility under unknown circumstances. Police have urged residents to keep all doors and windows securely closed, advising that the animals should not be approached under any circumstances.
“This is a serious matter, and we’re working with Alpha Genesis to ensure a safe capture,” a police spokesperson said. “Residents should remain cautious and report any sightings immediately.”
Alpha Genesis has long been a significant player in the primate research field, providing primates for testing related to infectious diseases. However, neither the company nor law enforcement officials have confirmed whether the escaped monkeys had been exposed to any pathogens. The company has previously handled rhesus, macaque, and capuchin monkeys, though the exact species involved in the escape remains unidentified.
This is the second time in recent years that Alpha Genesis has faced a mass escape. In 2016, 19 monkeys escaped the same facility but were recovered within six hours. Given the latest incident, local residents have voiced concerns about safety protocols at the lab. Alpha Genesis also operates “Monkey Island,” a large primate colony off the coast of South Carolina, under a federal contract, which houses approximately 3,500 monkeys used for research and breeding.
Local authorities are urging the community to stay vigilant and report any monkey sightings to the Yemassee Police Department.
