The Great Escape from Alpha Genesis
The Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center, one of the world’s largest monkey breeding facilities, encountered a security lapse on Wednesday afternoon that allowed 43 juvenile female rhesus macaque monkeys to escape. According to facility CEO Greg Westergaard, the incident happened due to human error; a caretaker accidentally left two enclosure doors unlatched during routine cleaning. By the time staff noticed, the monkeys had already made a break for it. As of Thursday evening, none of the primates had been recaptured, prompting an intensive search involving local police, traps, and even thermal imaging cameras.
Previous Escapes and Controversies at Alpha Genesis
This isn’t the first time Alpha Genesis has had an escape incident. In 2016, 19 monkeys managed to flee but were recaptured within hours. Moreover, in recent years, the facility has faced scrutiny over various safety and animal welfare violations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a formal warning to the center in 2022 after several violations, including failure to secure enclosures adequately. In previous inspections, officials have noted unsecured fencing and animals escaping from their primary enclosures. A $12,600 fine was levied in 2017 after incidents involving improperly secured enclosures and other issues that impacted the monkeys’ well-being.
Despite the facility’s history of breaches, Alpha Genesis remains a significant player in the medical research industry, housing over 6,700 primates for testing purposes. Its connection to Morgan Island, or “Monkey Island” as locals call it, further amplifies its role in the industry. Morgan Island, located off South Carolina’s coast, is home to 3,500 rhesus monkeys managed by Alpha Genesis, all raised for research purposes.
Search and Safety Measures in Yemassee
Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander stated that while the monkeys don’t pose any health risk to the public, residents are urged to take precautions. “Keep your windows and doors securely closed to avoid any of the primates entering your home,” Alexander advised. Authorities have set up food-baited traps around the facility and surrounding areas, hoping the monkeys will return voluntarily. Heavy rain has also slowed search efforts as the monkeys are believed to have sought shelter.
While the monkeys are described as disease-free and too young for medical testing, they are skittish and weigh just 6 to 7 pounds, making capture difficult. Residents have been advised to avoid approaching the monkeys and to contact 911 if they encounter any of the animals.
A Growing Concern: Animal Welfare and Safety
While the current incident has raised immediate safety concerns, it has also reignited ongoing debates about the ethics and safety of primate research facilities. Animal rights activists have voiced their disapproval, pointing out that frequent escapes and issues at Alpha Genesis pose not only potential risks to the community but also raise ethical questions regarding the treatment and use of these animals in research.
Authorities from both local law enforcement and the USDA continue to monitor the situation closely, while South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace has also pledged to keep her constituents informed. For now, the escaped monkeys remain elusive, testing the resolve and patience of officials tasked with their capture.
As the search for the 40 monkeys escaped carries on, the incident underscores both the challenges of managing such facilities and the importance of safety protocols. For locals, it’s an unexpected excitement and a reminder of the nearby presence of the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center. In the meantime, the public awaits updates on whether the facility will be able to safely return the monkeys home — or if more stringent measures are on the horizon to prevent future primate escapades.
