A South Carolina research center, Alpha Genesis, has successfully recaptured five more rhesus monkeys that escaped from its enclosure last week.
Following this effort, 30 of the 43 monkeys that initially broke free are now safely in the center’s care, according to a police statement issued on Monday.
The monkeys, who escaped from an enclosure that was allegedly not completely secure, remained near the compound in Yemassee, South Carolina.
Alpha Genesis employees have been trying lure the monkeys back with food and interacted with other primates within the enclosure to persuade them to return.
Initial veterinary examinations of the recaptured monkeys suggest they are in good health, according to police.
The facility, located about a mile from downtown Yemassee and approximately 50 miles from Savannah, Georgia, is committed to continuing recovery efforts for as long as necessary.
To Alpha Genesis, which breeds monkeys for medical researchstressed that monkeys do not pose any risk to public health.
The facility, local law enforcement, and federal health authorities jointly advised people to avoid approaching animals and to refrain from flying drones in the area.
Os Rhesus monkeyswhich are small primates weighing around 3 kg, have been an integral part of medical research since the late 19th century due to their genetic similarities to humans. The species shares approximately 93% of its DNA with humans.
Alpha Genesis provides these primates for research around the world, supporting scientific and medical advances through its work with research institutions.
The facility remains vigilant, with staff on alert and prepared to capture the remaining monkeys, while working to ensure the animals’ safe return.
