Yemassee Monkey Escape Antics
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In an astonishing event on November 7, 43 rhesus macaque monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina, due to human error. Residents watched as the monkeys enjoyed their newfound freedom, engaging in amusing antics around town. While efforts were made to recapture them with baited traps, many residents were more entertained than concerned. PETA criticized the facility following the escape, raising questions about animal welfare. As of January 24, all but four monkeys were recaptured, allowing the community to resume normal life amid this lighthearted chaos.
In a scene that could easily find its way into a movie script, the small town of Yemassee, South Carolina found itself at the center of an unexpected monkey business on November 7. On that day, a staggering 43 rhesus macaque monkeys managed to break free from their enclosures at the Alpha Genesis Research Center, and the chatter around town has been buzzing ever since!
The excitement kicked off around 1 p.m. when the Yemassee Police reported the great primate escape. The CEO of Alpha Genesis, Greg Westergaard, later revealed that the mishap occurred due to human error. Apparently, a caretaker forgot to secure two crucial doors, and just like that, *the gates were wide open for these cheeky monkeys*!
Located off Castle Hall Road, the research facility is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the heart of Yemassee, which made the escape even more intriguing as locals watched the monkeys frolic in their newly liberated state.
Reports quickly surfaced that the mischievous monkeys weren’t too far from the facility. Observers noted their playful antics, including jumping about and engaging in a bit of mischief as they took food baited in traps without actually entering them! It seems these monkeys were enjoying their newfound freedom just a little too much—much to the amusement of residents in the area.
In an effort to recapture the critters, the staff at the center has been setting out traps filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, but these little escape artists seem to be clever enough to avoid them. Despite the commotion, Westergaard commented on their behavior, saying they appeared to be “goofy” and were just having a good old time watching the staff watching them.
Fortunately, local residents can breathe a sigh of relief. The monkeys, all under 7 lbs, are still quite young and have not been used in testing, meaning they pose no threat of carrying disease. Residents were advised to keep their doors and windows secured while the monkeys were still on the loose, but the general mood seemed to resemble that of a typical day in town—most folks were more amused than anxious about the escapees.
Interestingly, local business owners and neighbors mentioned that some monkey escapes were somewhat expected at Alpha Genesis, though this mass escape was a first. In past incidents, fewer monkeys had managed to elude their enclosures, but nothing quite like *the great escape* had occurred before. The facility has faced its share of scrutiny too, having received violations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for various offenses regarding the housing and care of primates.
In light of this incident, animal rights organization PETA has criticized Alpha Genesis, highlighting the treatment of primates and alleged misconduct, particularly following this daring breakout. The facility has received over $130 million in funding from the Department of Health and Human Services over the last decade, raising eyebrows about accountability and animal welfare practices.
As of January 24, it was confirmed that all 43 monkeys had indeed been recaptured and were reported to be in good health. However, reports from Westergaard indicated that as of this time, four monkeys remained unrecaptured but appeared healthy and engaged in normal behavior. Thus, there was currently no plan to tranquilize them, and the community was adjusting to life as usual.
Despite a few remaining escapees, life in Yemassee resumed somewhat normally, with local residents taking the whole situation in stride. Some community members even found humor in the uproar, creating merchandise around the incident, fondly dubbing it “the great escape.”
So, as this light-hearted tale of monkey mischief continues to unfold, one can’t help but smile at the unexpected antics of these playful primates in Yemassee, reminding us all that sometimes, a little chaos can leave a lasting impression in our daily lives!
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