Forty Monkeys Escape from Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in South Carolina

In an unusual event on Wednesday night, 40 monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina. Local authorities, working with Alpha Genesis staff, have set traps and are using thermal imaging cameras to locate the animals, which are believed to be macaque and capuchin monkeys. Residents are urged to keep windows and doors locked and to call 911 immediately if they spot any of the escaped monkeys.

The Alpha Genesis research facility is known for its extensive work with nonhuman primates, conducting clinical trials on treatments for brain diseases and other medical conditions. Located in Beaufort County, Alpha Genesis maintains a vast colony of primates on South Carolina’s Morgan Island, also referred to as Monkey Island.

While Alpha Genesis specializes in primate research, monkey escapes have occurred before. Similar incidents were reported in 2016, when 19 monkeys briefly escaped but were recaptured within six hours. More recently, in May, a Japanese macaque escaped in Walterboro, South Carolina. This current escape is one of the largest in recent memory for the research facility.

The escape has raised concerns among locals, as authorities have not confirmed whether the monkeys were exposed to any diseases or undergoing medical trials at the time of their escape. The Yemassee Police Department advises residents to avoid any interaction with the animals for safety reasons.

Alpha Genesis has yet to release a public comment on the incident, but it continues working with local authorities to recapture the monkeys safely.