8 monkeys still on the loose in Yemassee

YEMASSEE, S.C. (WCBD) – Eight monkeys remain on the loose in Yemassee.

Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard told Yemassee Police that an additional three primates were safely recovered on Wednesday, adding that they appeared to be in good health.

That means 35 of the 43 escaped monkeys are returned to captivity.

“Alpha Genesis staff are continuing efforts to safely recover the remaining eight,” police said, asking the public to avoid the area.

Officials said 43 rhesus macaques escaped the facility on Nov. 6 after an employee failed to secure an enclosure. The monkeys primarily stayed in a wooded area near the facility.