43 Monkeys
Authorities in Yemassee, South Carolina, are actively searching for at least 43 monkeys that escaped from a local research facility, according to various media reports.
The escape has triggered an extensive search operation, and residents in the area have been advised to secure their homes by locking windows and doors to prevent the primates from entering.
The incident occurred at Alpha Genesis, a facility specializing in nonhuman primate products and bio-research services. Alpha Genesis is well-known for its work with primates, conducting research and trials that require the use of nonhuman species.
The facility houses over 6,000 monkeys, making it one of the largest centers of its kind in the United States.
In response to the escape, local police and animal control teams have mobilized, setting up traps in the areas where the monkeys are believed to be hiding.
Authorities are also using thermal imaging cameras in an attempt to locate the escaped animals. These cameras are designed to detect heat signatures, making it easier to spot the monkeys, even in dense vegetation or at night.
The Yemassee Sheriff’s Department has issued a public warning, urging residents to take precautions while the search is underway.
The department has stressed the importance of remaining cautious and vigilant, advising the community to stay indoors and avoid any interaction with the monkeys.
The Yemassee Police Department has also urged anyone who encounters one of the escaped primates to contact emergency services immediately by dialing 911.
Police Chief Gregory Alexander has strongly emphasized that citizens should not attempt to capture or detain the animals, as doing so could be dangerous and illegal. He warned that anyone found trying to keep the monkeys could face felony charges.
While the Sheriff’s Department has not specified the exact species of monkeys that have escaped, Alpha Genesis primarily works with capuchin and macaque monkeys, according to information available on their website.
These species are often used in medical and scientific research due to their cognitive abilities and similarities to human biology.
As the search continues, authorities are determined to safely recapture the monkeys and return them to the facility. The situation remains under close watch, and both police and animal control officers are working around the clock to ensure the safety of both the public and the escaped primates.
The incident has raised questions about the security measures at Alpha Genesis and the protocols in place for preventing such escapes in the future.
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