YEMASSEE, S.C. – A troop of escaped monkeys from a South Carolina research facility has left residents on edge, prompting warnings to secure their homes.
Police in Yemassee said the town was thrown into an unexpected frenzy on Wednesday when 43 rhesus macaque monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center.
These agile primates, known for their intelligence and serving an important role in medical and scientific research, vanished into the surrounding community as authorities scrambled to recapture them. As of Thursday, none have been located.
The primates are described as very young females weighing approximately 6-7 pounds.
“We want to assure the community that there is no health risk associated with these animals,” police said on social media.
“We’re working closely with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and state agricultural and wildlife officials to manage this incident effectively and humanely,” police said …
