News Summary
On November 8, 2024, Beaufort County faced an unusual incident as 43 rhesus macaques escaped from the Alpha Genesis research facility. Triggered by an unlatched door, these young female monkeys created quite a stir in the community, leading local authorities to take action to ensure safety and recapture them. Residents were warned to lock doors and windows while the Yemassee Police Department employed traps and thermal imaging technology. The community shared sightings and concerns until all monkeys were confirmed safe and recaptured by January 24, 2025.
Monkeys on the Loose in Beaufort County, South Carolina!
It was an unusual day on November 8, 2024, as residents of Beaufort County found themselves on alert after 43 monkeys escaped from a local research facility. The escape was triggered by a simple mistake—an unlatched door at the Alpha Genesis facility, a place known for housing and researching non-human primates.
What’s Going On?
Those monkeys, specifically rhesus macaques, are a bunch of very young females, each weighing around 6-7 pounds. It’s important to note that these little creatures had never been used in any testing, which means they are relatively new to the facility. The CEO of Alpha Genesis explained that the escape happened due to a caretaker who inadvertently forgot to secure the enclosure door.
After their big adventure, the playful primates were spotted near the research facility, swinging around and getting a taste of freedom. While it might seem amusing to some, local authorities didn’t take this lightly. They quickly mobilized to ensure safety and to recapture the mischievous monkeys.
Community Safety First
Residents in the area received warnings to keep their doors and windows securely locked. The Yemassee Police Department joined in the hunt, employing traps and high-tech thermal imaging cameras to track down the little escape artists. They urged anyone who spotted the monkeys to report it to 911, cautioning that approaching or trying to capture the monkeys could lead to risky situations.
Meanwhile, Alpha Genesis set baited traps to lure the monkeys, but the clever little creatures played a game of cat and mouse, taking food while avoiding the traps and quickly scurrying back to safety atop trees and fences. Capturing them is proving to be a challenging task, and authorities have reassured the public that they are taking their time to prioritize safety in the capturing process.
A Previous Escape Reunion
This amusing mishap isn’t the first time Alpha Genesis has faced such a situation. Eight years ago, in a similar incident, 19 monkeys made their bid for freedom but were swiftly recaptured. Although those earlier monkeys found their way back quickly, today’s escape seems to require a bit more patience and strategy.
Local Buzz and Concerns
Residents have shared stories of sightings, with some even managing to capture video footage of the monkeys frolicking in the woods nearby. The excitement of spotting such exotic wildlife so close to home has led to a mix of concern and curiosity among the locals.
Public Health Perspective
In terms of public health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weighed in, confirming that as long as residents keep their distance, the risk from the escaped monkeys remains low. That’s reassuring news for everyone who is keeping an eye out for these tiny adventurers.
The Bigger Picture
Interestingly, the monkeys are not brand-new to freedom; they used to roam free on Morgan Island, which is home to a managed colony overseen by Alpha Genesis. With their history of living in the wild, one might wonder if these little creatures are enjoying their brief return to freedom.
As the local law enforcement collaborates with Alpha Genesis, community relations are being actively managed to keep everyone in the loop. By ensuring that updates are shared, the goal is to maintain the safety and peace of mind of all residents.
Happy Ending on the Horizon
As for the final chapter in this escapade, fast forward to January 24, 2025, when an announcement came through confirming that all 43 monkeys had been safely recaptured! Fortunately, they were reported to be in good health, ready to return to their home in the research facility. The local community can now breathe a sigh of relief and resume normal life after an unexpected wildlife encounter.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Live 5 News: 4 Escaped Monkeys Still Stay Together Weeks After Beaufort Co. Facility Escape
- New York Times: Escaped Monkeys Captured in South Carolina
- CBS News: South Carolina Escaped Monkeys – What We Know
- Wikipedia: Rhesus Macaque
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Macaque
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
