Search continues for 43 monkeys that escaped South Carolina research facility

YEMASSEE, S.C. (WCBD) – The search continues Thursday for more than 43 primates that escaped from a Lowcountry research facility in the Yemassee community.

Officials with the Yemassee Police Department said 43 Rhesus macaques left Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center on Castle Hall Road on Wednesday. So far, none have been captured.

“We want to assure the community that there is no health risk associated with these animals,” the department said in an update Thursday morning.

Traps have been strategically placed in the area to safely capture the animals, and the department is working with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and state agricultural and wildlife officials to “manage the incident effectively and humanely.”

For now, residents are asked to keep their doors and windows securely closed to keep the primates from entering homes. “If you spot any escaped animals, do not approach them and call 911 immediately,” the department said.

News 2 has reached out to Alpha Genesis for additional information. We are waiting to hear back.