Forty monkeys escape from research facility in South Carolina

7 November 2024, 12:56 | Updated: 7 November 2024, 16:27

Forty monkeys have escaped from a research facility in South Carolina.

Thermal imaging cameras and traps have been deployed to recapture the animals, who broke free from the Alpha Genesis site in Yemassee on Wednesday night.

"Residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows secured to prevent these animals from entering homes," police warned on Facebook.

Locals in Yemassee, about 50 miles (80km) west of Charleston, have been told not to approach the monkeys and immediately call 911 if they spot them.

Alpha Genesis says it provides "nonhuman primate products and bio-research services" with "more than 100 acres of quarantine, breeding, holding and research space".

It conducts clinical trials, including on brain disease treatments, and says it provides the "highest standards of care for all animals".

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The breed that escaped hasn't been revealed, but the firm's site says it has macaque and capuchin monkeys.

It is not the first escape from Alpha Genesis, according to local media, with 19 reportedly breaking free in 2016 before being recaptured six hours later.