February 4, 2025

Final Four Rhesus Macaques Recaptured in South Carolina

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News Summary

After spending two months on the loose, the last four out of 43 rhesus macaques have been recaptured in Yemassee, South Carolina. This wild adventure began when an employee’s mistake allowed the monkeys to escape, leading to a community effort to rescue them. The monkeys experienced an unusual snowfall during their escapade and were ultimately lured back using peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. While their recapture may end the adventure, concerns about animal welfare at the breeding facility remain under scrutiny from animal rights groups.

Monkeys on the Loose: Final Four Rhesus Macaques Recaptured in South Carolina After Two-Month Adventure

Yemassee is abuzz with excitement as it welcomes back the last four of the 43 rhesus macaque monkeys that had been on a grand escapade for two whole months! Yes, you read it right—what was supposed to be a simple breeding operation at Alpha Genesis turned into a nationwide chase after an employee’s blunder released these mischievous little primates into the wild.

The Great Escape

This fascinating tale began on November 6, 2024, when a failure to properly secure the enclosure gates allowed the furry creatures to escape their confines. Just imagine: 43 feisty monkeys darting out into the woods! What followed was nothing short of a community spectacle, with concerned citizens and animal advocates banding together to aid in the search.

It’s noteworthy to mention that during their time outdoors, the monkeys encountered an unusual weather situation; the area saw its first snowfall in seven years, blanketing the ground with up to 3 inches of snow. Talk about an unexpected winter wonderland for these little explorers!

The Capture Process

For those who were worried, rest assured that these four gal pals were recaptured and are now reported to be in good health. To bring them back home, local authorities and Alpha Genesis set up some clever humane traps and used enticing food lures—yes, you guessed it, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were at the top of the menu! It seems that little snack was too hard to resist.

A Community Effort

Throughout the search, residents were vigilant and cautioned against approaching the monkeys. While it might be tempting to get close to such adorable creatures, local authorities stressed the importance of keeping a safe distance. The facility itself is just a mile from downtown Yemassee, making the whole incident feel rather close to home.

The recapture job required collaboration not just from Alpha Genesis, which specializes in breeding monkeys for medical research, but also from the local community and law enforcement. Everyone was concerned, and with many mixing in humor and light-hearted comments on social media, it turned into a quirky local tale that had everyone talking.

Animal Rights Concerns

PETA expressed serious criticisms toward Alpha Genesis. They raised alarms specifically about the deaths of 22 monkeys during a particularly cold snap, leading PETA to file a complaint that is currently being investigated. Their scrutiny didn’t stop there; they demanded proof that all escaped monkeys were accounted for, given Alpha Genesis’ past history of animal welfare violations.

Adding to the uproar, Congresswoman Nancy Mace called for federal investigations into the facility, amplifying the ongoing debate surrounding animal rights and welfare in research settings. Despite assurances from Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard that everything is under control, skepticism remains in the air, with many requesting solid evidence that all 43 monkeys have returned home.

A Local Business with a Big Impact

Alpha Genesis, employing approximately 275 individuals, plays a significant role in the local economy. With three primate facilities across South Carolina, the company has received over $130 million from the Department of Health and Human Services for research purposes. This situation has certainly sparked a dialogue about how research facilities operate and the moral responsibilities involved.

As the dust settles and the final few monkeys are back where they belong, one can only wonder what implications this episode will have on the future of monkey breeding for research. Let’s hope for harmony between animal welfare and medical advancement as this curious story comes to a close!