Over 40 Monkeys Escape Research Facility in South Carolina; Residents Warned “Lock Your Doors and Windows”

Officials in South Carolina are warning residents that 40 monkeys have escaped a research facility in the Beaufort County area. On Wednesday night, over 40 monkeys were able to escape from an Alpha Genesis facility and are now spread out throughout the area.

The Yemassee Police Department has let residents know that traps have been set in place to capture the monkeys and they are also using thermal imaging cameras to locate the monkeys. As of Thursday morning, no monkeys have been captured, according to a social media post from the police department.

"We can confirm that 43 Rhesus macaque primates escaped the Alpha Genesis facility on Castle Hall Road. At this point, none have been captured," officials said in a post on Facebook. "Residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows securely closed to prevent the primates from entering homes. If you spot any escaped animals, do not approach them and call 911 immediately."

According to the Alpha Genesis website, they "are dedicated to providing only the best and most cost-effective primate research and development support to the scientific community." They breed monkeys and do research on progressive brain disorders.

Officials will continue to share updates on social media. "We thank the Yemassee community for their patience and cooperation. Our team is committed to resolving this safely and efficiently," said officials.