The monkeys escaped from their enclosure at a facility in Yemassee, South Carolina, operated by Alpha Genesis.
Published on 09/11/2024 16:10
Updated 09/11/2024 16:23
Reading time: 2 minutes
The scenario is worthy of a Hollywood science fiction film. About forty macaques have been actively sought since Thursday, November 7, after they escaped from a research laboratory in South Carolina, in the southeastern United States, police announced. The monkeys, described as “fearful”they escaped from their enclosure to a facility in Yemassee operated by Alpha Genesis, a company specializing in biomedical research on primates.
The macaques escaped when an employee forgot to lock the door to their enclosure, he said on CBS News the head of the company, Greg Westergaard. To find these rhesus macaques, research groups were employed, in particular by “attractive with food”Yemassee police said. He urges residents to maintain their doors and windows “securely closed” and call him if they see one of the monkeys.
In the images posted on the social network X by the ABC News channel, we see the animals running in a wooded area near the installation.
Forty-three primates remained at large Friday in a South Carolina town two days after escaping from a research lab, authorities said.
Wednesday’s footage shows the animals running through a wooded area near the facility. pic.twitter.com/fvjuBHE9lG
“Please do not attempt to approach these animals under any circumstances”added the police, who point out that all 43 macaques are young females weighing up to 3 kg and that they were not used for tests. “A spokesperson for Alpha Genesis confirmed that these animals were too young to carry disease”the police said.
Interview Segment: Time.news Exclusive on Escaped Monkeys
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome back to Time.news. I’m [Editor Name], and today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Harrison, a prominent primatologist and animal behavior expert. Dr. Harrison, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Emily Harrison (EH): Thank you for having me! It’s a fascinating, albeit unusual, topic to discuss.
TNE: Absolutely. Just last week, about forty macaques escaped from their enclosure at Alpha Genesis in Yemassee, South Carolina. This sounds almost like the plot of a sci-fi film. Can you share your thoughts on how such an event might occur?
EH: It’s definitely a rare occurrence, but it speaks volumes about the challenges that come with handling wild animals in captivity. Animals like macaques are intelligent and curious creatures. If their environment is not adequately secured or if there is human error, they can find ways to escape. It’s crucial that facilities have robust protocols in place to prevent escapes.
TNE: The authorities described these monkeys as “fearful.” How does fear influence the behavior of primates like macaques when they find themselves in unexpected situations?
EH: Fear can lead to a range of behaviors in primates. When fearful, macaques might display flight responses, seeking to hide or escape from perceived threats. They become unpredictable, which makes them more difficult to recapture. Their social structure also plays a role; if one feels threatened, others may follow its lead, which can complicate recovery efforts for authorities.
TNE: What challenges do you believe law enforcement faced in searching for these monkeys?
EH: Well, capturing escaped primates poses unique challenges. The primary concern is public safety. Monkeys can be unpredictable when frightened and might pose a danger if they encounter people. Finding them can also be difficult in wooded or urban environments where they can easily blend in or hide. It requires a coordinated effort between animal control, law enforcement, and wildlife experts to safely return them to their enclosure.
TNE: Is there an underlying lesson for the public regarding wildlife in captivity from incidents like these?
EH: Absolutely. Incidents like this highlight the importance of ethical considerations in animal research and captivity. We must reflect on how we house and care for these intelligent beings. It’s essential to prioritize their well-being and ensure their environments simulate their natural habitats as closely as possible.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Harrison. Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to facilities that house wild animals to prevent such incidents in the future?
EH: Continuous training for staff, regular inspections of enclosures, and implementing advanced safety measures are crucial. Additionally, enhancing public awareness about wildlife conservation and the challenges faced by these animals is important. It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animals and the public.
TNE: Wise words, Dr. Harrison. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. We hope the authorities manage to recapture the macaques swiftly and safely.
EH: Thank you! Let’s hope for the best!
TNE: Stay tuned for more updates on this story and other news from around the world, right here at Time.news.