Yemassee, South Carolina: Monkey Escape Update
Yemassee, S.C. — Six Rhesus macaques remain missing following a notable escape from a local breeding facility earlier this month. Authorities reported that 43 monkeys fled from the Alpha Genesis compound on November 6, 2024, due to an employee error during the securing process of their enclosure.
Background of the Incident
At approximately 6:30 p.m. on the day of the escape, an employee inadvertently left all three gates surrounding the monkeys’ containment area unlatched. This oversight allowed the female monkeys, each weighing about 7 pounds, to easily break free from the facility located approximately one mile from downtown Yemassee.
Current Recovery Efforts
As of November 11, 2024, the count of recaptured monkeys has risen to 37, as reported by Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard. Two more macaques were recovered Sunday, and authorities are optimistic about the remaining animals. According to Westergaard, these recaptured monkeys were examined and found to be in “excellent condition.”
The team has been feeding the recovered monkeys a diet consisting of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches along with specially formulated monkey biscuits known as Purina Monkey Chow. This high-protein nutrition is designed to support the health of the Rhesus macaques.
Employee Actions and Facility Response
The employee responsible for the oversight was said to have been approached by a supervisor concerning potential termination, leading to her departure from the job. Westergaard emphasized that the escape was not due to a structural failure but a human mistake. Recovery actions will continue diligently until all monkeys are safely back at the facility.
Public Concerns and Animal Welfare
In the wake of these events, the group Stop Animal Exploitation Now has stepped forward to raise concerns regarding animal welfare at Alpha Genesis. They have sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting further inspections and potential fines due to previous incidents involving mistreatment.
Notably, the letter referenced a dead monkey found trapped in a fence and another that was strangled, along with details of earlier escapes leading to serious injuries. These claims highlight an ongoing scrutiny of the facility’s practices, which critics argue reflect a pattern of neglect.
Regulatory Background
The USDA has conducted ten inspections of the Alpha Genesis facility since 2020, the most recent being in May 2024, when no significant issues were reported. However, concerns remain among activists regarding the fatal incidents and overall animal care.
Community Guidelines on Monkey Encounters
Authorities continue to advise local residents on how to handle encounters with the escaped monkeys. While they pose no direct threat to public health, both Alpha Genesis and law enforcement recommend that individuals keep their distance. Additionally, it has been suggested that drones should not be flown in the area, as this could provoke the monkeys, who are known to be skittish.
Observations and Future Actions
As recovery efforts persist, community members are left to monitor the situation. Alpha Genesis is committed to ensuring that all escaped monkeys are captured safely and returned to their facility. Ongoing updates will be provided as more information becomes available, particularly concerning the remaining six monkeys.
