Residents of South Carolina Encouraged to Protect Their Properties Following the Escape of 43 Monkeys from a Research Facility
Check it out, I ain't here to scare anyone, but this kinda sounds like the start of a zombie flick. Cops in Yemassee, South Carolina, are on the hunt for over 40 rhesus monkeys that just busted outta a nearby lab. Folks have been told to lock down their homes and keep their distance if they spot the monkeys. Thankfully, the animals don't seem to be a health threat.
The Yemassee Police Dept. announced the monkey breakout on Facebook Wednesday afternoon. Seems like these primates somehow managed to wriggle outta the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center, a place that boasts about providing top-notch nonhuman primate products and bio-research services. As of this morning, the tally stands at 43 rhesus macaques that've run off, and none of 'em have been apprehended yet.
The lab is reputed for using monkeys in their research on brain disorders, but the escapees don't appear to be dangerous. All of them are female, weigh around six pounds, and are too young to have been used in any research or harbor any diseases. The Yemassee police stated Thursday that there's no health risk associated with these animals. But still, don't go hankering for a hug if you see 'em.
Residents have been advised to keep their doors and windows locked to keep the monkeys out of their homes. If you spot any of the runaways, dial 911 right away and stay clear of them.
This isn't the first time the Alpha Genesis Primate Center's seen a breakout. The Beaufort County Post and Courier reported Wednesday that the facility's had several escapes since 2014, and it's accrued a bunch of violations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture because of those escapes and other incidents between 2014 and 2016.
The Yemassee cops, the nearby sheriff's office, state agricultural and wildlife officials, and the lab staff are all working together to round up the monkeys. They're reportedly using traps to nab 'em safely and thermal imaging to find 'em. Still no word on whether they'll be bringing in that mustachioed plumber in red overalls and blue shirt, or his timid brother.
The Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center's repeated escapes raise concerns about their safety protocols, given the advancements in technology and science they leverage for their research in the future. If the situation with these monkeys continues, it could potentially impact the public's trust in such scientific facilities.
