The article discusses the recent escape of 43 Rhesus macaques from a South Carolina medical research facility, Alpha Genesis. As of Sunday, 24 of the monkeys have been safely recovered with the help of the Yemassee Police Department. The escape occurred when an employee failed to secure a door during routine feeding and health checks. Officials have set up traps and are utilizing thermal imaging cameras to locate the remaining primates and advised residents to keep doors and windows secured.
The facility, Alpha Genesis, is known for providing nonhuman primate products and bio-research services globally, with a focus on supporting clinical trials for research on brain disorders. However, the facility’s safety record has come under scrutiny in the past following incidents of animal deaths and escape risks due to infrastructure concerns. After previous incidents, improvements were made to standard operating procedures, but the recent escape has raised concerns about the safety measures in place at the facility.
This is not the first time Alpha Genesis has faced escaped monkeys, as a similar incident occurred in 2016 when 19 monkeys got out of their enclosures. While that situation was resolved quickly, the recent escape has taken longer to recover all the primates, with some still active near the perimeter fence. Despite the escape, veterinarians reported that the recovered monkeys are all in good health and pose no public health risk to the community.
Efforts are ongoing to locate and retrieve the remaining primates, with officials utilizing various methods and cautioning residents to report any sightings without approaching the animals. The incident has brought renewed attention to Alpha Genesis’s safety practices and operational procedures, with some concerned about the well-being of the monkeys and the potential risks of escape. The facility remains committed to safely returning all animals to their enclosures and ensuring the ongoing safety of their operations.
This incident highlights the importance of proper safety protocols and infrastructure in facilities that house animals for research purposes. The USDA has previously flagged concerns about enclosures at Alpha Genesis that could lead to escape or injury, emphasizing the need for strict standards to protect animal welfare. As recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safe return of all escaped monkeys and preventing future incidents through improved safety measures and monitoring practices.
