News Summary
A group of four rhesus macaque monkeys, who escaped from a research facility in South Carolina, have been recaptured after living in the wild for nearly two months. Their adventure began on November 6, 2024, when a gate was inadvertently left unlocked. The monkeys were able to survive harsh weather, including snowfall, before being captured with the help of local authorities and humane traps. This incident has sparked discussions about animal welfare and the operations of the research facility, Alpha Genesis.
Four Rhesus Macaque Monkeys Caught After Two-Month Adventure in South Carolina Woods
In a surprising turn of events that has captivated the local community, four of the 43 rhesus macaque monkeys that made a daring escape from a research facility in South Carolina have finally been recaptured after spending almost two months living freely in the wild. This unusual story began on November 6, 2024, when an employee inadvertently failed to secure the monkeys’ enclosure at Alpha Genesis, a medical research facility often referred to as “the monkey farm.”
How Did They Escape?
It seems like an innocent mistake led to this incredible escape. Workers were expected to lock one gate before opening another, but human error allowed a group of monkeys to break free. As the monkeys took off, they settled into the surrounding woods near the facility, prompting a series of efforts to locate and capture the little escapees.
Living Wild and Free
During their two-month adventure, these monkeys experienced some unusual weather. The area faced its first snowfall in seven years, accumulating up to three inches of snow. Despite the chilly conditions, all four of the monkeys—who generally weigh around 7 pounds and are roughly the size of a cat—managed to stay safe and healthy.
Getting Them Back
The process of recapturing the monkeys involved deploying humane traps and luring them with delicious snacks. The team used treats like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and specially formulated “monkey biscuits” to entice the monkeys to approach. Thanks to the close collaboration with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and state wildlife officials, the search party was able to track down the monkeys using traps and thermal imaging cameras.
Safety First
As the monkeys evaded capture, local police assured residents that the escapees posed no risk to public health. Federal health officials backed this claim, and people were advised to keep their doors and windows secured to keep the adventurous primates outside. Interestingly, the police warned against using drones in the area, as the buzzing sound had spooked the monkeys, making them hard to catch!
The Facility’s History
Alpha Genesis, which has been in operation since the late 1800s, is recognized as one of the world’s largest breeders of monkeys for scientific research purposes. These fascinating creatures share approximately 93% of their DNA with humans, and they are originally native to the Himalayan Mountains in Northern India. While the escaped monkeys were eventually recaptured, this is not the first time that monkeys have made a dash for freedom from Alpha Genesis—in 2016, 19 monkeys managed to escape for a brief period of six hours.
Concerns about Animal Welfare
Despite the excitement surrounding this escape and recapture, it’s important to note that Alpha Genesis has faced scrutiny regarding animal welfare practices. Recent allegations of past misconduct and carelessness that may have endangered the monkeys are currently being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With over $130 million received in federal health agency funding over the past decade, the operations of the facility are now under greater scrutiny as whistleblower complaints come to light.
Conclusion
The recapture of the four monkeys, all females, marks an end to their thrilling escapade and a return to their previous home. As everyone breathes a sigh of relief, this story serves as a reminder of the bond between humans and animals and highlights the need for care in handling these incredible creatures. The local community can now return to their regular routines, but the tale of these adventurous monkeys will undoubtedly be a hot topic of conversation for weeks to come!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AOL News
- Wikipedia: Rhesus macaque
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: monkey escape
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: monkey behavior
- Bluffton Today
- Google News: animal welfare
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: animal behavior
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The HERE Aiken Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Aiken community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Aiken: Our team includes lifelong Aiken residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Aiken’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Aiken Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
