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Yemassee Recaptures Escapee Rhesus Macaque Monkeys

Mischievous Rhesus Macaque Monkeys in Yemassee

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News Summary

Yemassee, South Carolina recently witnessed a rollercoaster of events surrounding 43 rhesus macaque monkeys that managed to escape from a local facility. The saga began in November when a staff member accidentally left their enclosure open. After two months of adventures in the wild, including enduring a rare snowstorm, all monkeys have now been recaptured, sparking discussions on animal care and safety at the breeding facility. PETA has also intervened, raising concerns about the facility’s practices amidst ongoing investigations.

Yemassee Welcomes Home Its Mischievous Monkeys

What a whirlwind! The tiny town of Yemassee, South Carolina has been buzzing lately with news of an unforgettable monkey saga that began last November. Yes, you heard that right—monkeys! All 43 of the mischievous rhesus macaque monkeys, known for their playful antics, have been safely recaptured after a daring escape that lasted nearly two months.

How It All Began

Mark your calendars for November 6, 2024, when a simple oversight turned into a sensational story. An employee at the local facility, officially known as Alpha Genesis, accidentally left the enclosure door unlatched, allowing the curious creatures to wander out into the wild. Ever since that day, the facility—which some locals affectionately refer to as “the monkey farm”—has been dealing with the consequences of the great monkey escape.

Adventurers in the Wild

During their time outdoors, these little adventurers faced quite a bit of weather, including a rare snowstorm that brought up to 3 inches of snow to the area—the first of its kind in seven years! Although they are native to the Himalayan Mountains, the mild winters of the southeastern U.S. didn’t seem to pose much of a threat. Residents were warned to keep their homes secure, but reports suggested that the monkeys often stuck to their old stomping grounds near the facility.

Operation Monkey Retrieval

On January 24, 2025, jubilation echoed through Yemassee as the last four monkeys were recaptured. Staff at Alpha Genesis monitored the escapees closely throughout their time on the run, noticing that they engaged in typical monkey behavior like climbing and grooming. Luckily, they were lured back with a tempting treat of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, along with specially formulated monkey chow. What could be better?

Back to Safety

Overall, the recaptured monkeys, which weigh about 6-7 pounds (or roughly the size of a cat), returned in good health. After almost two months of exploring the great outdoors, they seemed to have weathered the adventure quite well. However, the series of events has ignited some serious discussions regarding animal safety and care practices at the breeding facility, especially following reports of the unfortunate death of 22 monkeys due to a cold snap.

Complications and Concerns

It seems not all news surrounding the monkey farm has been sunny. A USDA investigation has been initiated after complaints about the facility’s animal care practices, adding to previous concerns. Since 2022, Alpha Genesis had already faced eight violations regarding treatment standards. Over the past decade, the facility has received over $130 million in federal funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. With such generous support, many are now asking how the situation could have escalated to such an extent.

The Reaction from PETA

In light of all this, PETA has stepped in, demanding transparency from Alpha Genesis regarding the safety and well-being of the monkeys. The organization is known for advocating for animals and has consistently criticized the practices at the facility, pushing for ethical treatment and care.

The Good News

Despite the ups and downs of this monkey tale, the overarching story ends on a high note: all 43 monkeys have found their way back home. Their time in the wild certainly made for an exciting chapter, but now they can return to a more predictable routine. Stay tuned, folks, as this may not be the last we hear about the energetic macaques of Yemassee!