All 43 research monkeys safely recaptured in South Carolina

In November 2023, a total of 43 research monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee, South Carolina, after an employee failed to secure their enclosure properly. The escape sent the monkeys into the nearby woods, where they lived freely for about two months, enduring harsh weather conditions including a snowstorm. During their time at large, community members were advised to secure their homes and report any sightings of the monkeys to the authorities. In a concerted rescue effort, officials and facility workers set out humane traps and baited them with food, specifically peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, to lure the monkeys back safely. By mid-January 2024, authorities announced that all escaped monkeys had been safely recaptured. The CEO of Alpha Genesis, Greg Westergaard, stated that the monkeys appeared to be in good health after being caught. The recapture effort highlighted the collaboration between local law enforcement and community engagement in addressing the potential risks posed by the animals being on the loose. Throughout their escape, the monkeys remained in a wooded area primarily surrounding the facility and were not reported to be a threat to public health, per statements from Alpha Genesis and local police. The escape raised questions about animal welfare, particularly from the Humane Society of the United States. Kathleen Conlee, vice president of animal research issues at the organization, voiced concerns that the recaptured monkeys may now face lives in laboratories subjected to testing and breeding. This incident brought attention to ethical discussions regarding the treatment of animals in research and the ongoing use of nonhuman primates in scientific studies, which some activists argue is an outdated practice. As public sentiment evolves toward animal rights, advocates like the Humane Society are pushing for more humane alternatives to animal testing, emphasizing technologies that do not involve animal suffering. Moving forward, the recaptured monkeys' fate remains uncertain as they could either be returned to the facility for further breeding purposes or sold for research. The Alpha Genesis facility primarily breeds rhesus macaques to supply medical research facilities, reflecting long-standing practices in scientific inquiries into human health. As society continues to grapple with the ethical implications of using animals for human benefit, the recapture of these monkeys underscores ongoing debates about animal rights and research methods in the United States.