Escaped Monkeys Finally Caught After 2-Month Search In South Carolina

After weeks of searching, the last of the 43 monkeys that escaped from a research lab in South Carolina have been found and safely returned. The escapees, all young female rhesus macaques, managed to evade capture since November when an employee at the Alpha Genesis research facility in Beaufort County allegedly left a door open.

Authorities worked closely with the lab’s staff to recover the monkeys, using various methods, including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, to coax them back. The Yemassee Police Department confirmed the final monkeys were captured recently, bringing an end to their time in the wild.

Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard reported that the monkeys were examined and are in good health after enduring fluctuating weather conditions, including rain and the area’s first snowfall in years. The facility specializes in medical research and breeding primates for studies on neurological and other health conditions.

Animal rights activists have raised concerns about what lies ahead for the recaptured monkeys. The Humane Society of the United States has renewed calls for alternatives to animal testing, arguing that scientific advancements should focus on humane research methods rather than primate testing.

This isn’t the first time Alpha Genesis has dealt with escapes. Between 2014 and 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited the facility for several breaches, including one incident where 26 monkeys managed to flee. The lab was fined for inadequate containment and animal welfare violations.

Officials are expected to review procedures at the facility to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of both the animals and the community.