Rhesus Macaques Escape Again: 43 Juveniles Loose in South Carolina, Only 1 Captured as Facility Security Concerns Rise
Govind Tekale
A total of 43 juvenile rhesus macaques escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center, with only one macaque recaptured so far, leaving 42 on the loose in South Carolina’s wooded areas.
Photo Source: Wisconsin National Primate Research Center
The escape happened after a caretaker failed to secure two doors, allowing the young macaques, each weighing around 7 pounds, to slip out during routine cleaning and feeding.
Yemassee Police and Alpha Genesis staff have launched extensive capture efforts using food baits, including apples, and thermal imaging cameras, but the skittish macaques remain elusive.
Photo Source: AP News
Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, described the mass escape as a "follow-the-leader" incident, where one macaque’s escape led dozens more to bolt through the open doors.
Photo Source: Charles J. Sharp (CC BY-SA 4.0)
With previous incidents in 2014 and 2016 involving escapes of 19 and 26 macaques respectively, concerns over security protocols at the facility are mounting.
Photo Source: shankar s. (CC BY 2.0)
As rain slows the search, authorities advise residents to avoid the area, secure their homes, and call 911 if they spot any macaques, warning that these juveniles are highly skittish.
Photo Source: Yann Forget (CC-BY-SA.)
Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s office has stepped in, gathering details on the escape to keep locals informed as questions rise about facility management and public safety.
Photo Source: generalising (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Alpha Genesis breeds rhesus macaques for global medical research, where their genetic similarity to humans makes them critical to studies in vaccine development and organ transplants.
The macaques have been spotted jumping fences and vocalizing to other macaques still in captivity, behaviors that authorities hope will aid in recapturing the escaped primates.
Photo Source: Tagooty (CC BY-SA 4.0)