A research lab in the US is searching for 43 escaped monkeys, drawing attention to lab safety and containment practices.
Authorities are actively searching for 43 monkeys that escaped from a research facility in South Carolina after a keeper inadvertently left their enclosure open.
The rhesus macaques fled from Alpha Genesis, a company specializing in breeding primates for medical research, and are currently roaming in the Lowcountry region.
Residents have been advised to secure their homes and report any sightings of the monkeys, which are young females weighing approximately 7 pounds each, as per the Yemassee Police Department.
On Thursday, police confirmed that the company had identified the group and was attempting to lure them back with food.
They cautioned the public against approaching the animals and noted that traps had been set while officers utilized thermal imaging to locate them.
The research facility indicated that the monkeys are too young to have been tested and do not carry diseases.
Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, expressed his frustration over the incident, hoping for a positive resolution as the monkeys were last seen in the woods following their escape.
He explained that the group of 50 had split, with 43 fleeing and only 7 remaining, and mentioned that while there are some food sources in the area, the monkeys’ preferred food, apples, is not available, complicating efforts to attract them back.
Weather conditions, particularly rain, have also hindered capture attempts.
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