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43 Monkeys Escape Research Facility, Police Issue Strict Warning: “They Don’t Belong To You”
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43 Monkeys Escape Research Facility, Police Issue Strict Warning: “They Don’t Belong To You”

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A wild and unexpected scene unfolded in Beaufort County, South Carolina, when 43 rhesus macaque monkeys made a dash for freedom from a research facility.

Residents have been urged to keep their doors and windows locked as authorities work tirelessly to track down the adventurous escapees.

By Friday morning, the exact whereabouts of the monkeys remained a mystery.

Highlights
  • 43 rhesus monkeys escaped a research facility in South Carolina.
  • Residents were advised to lock doors and windows and to not approach the animals.
  • “It’s really like follow-the-leader. You see one go and the others go,” Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, told CBS News.
  • Yemassee Police urged residents to immediately 911 calls if the monkeys are spotted.
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    More than 40 rhesus macaques escaped from a research facility in South Carolina

    Image credits: Yemassee Police Department

    The breakout occurred at Alpha Genesis, a company specializing in breeding and research services. The facility is home to 6,701 primates, according to a federal inspection conducted in May.

    The escape was triggered when a caretaker mistakenly left an enclosure door unsecured, allowing 43 young monkeys, each weighing between six and seven pounds, to seize the opportunity.

    “It’s really like follow-the-leader. You see one go and the others go,” Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, told CBS News.

    Residents were urged to secure their homes while authorities track down the 43 escapees

    Image credits: Alpha Genesis

    The CEO called the situation “frustrating,” noting that it’s rare for such a large group to escape and roam free.

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    “I couldn’t believe it, to be honest with you,” he added. “It does happen that one can sneak out once in a while. It is very unusual to have a big group like this.”

    Nevertheless, he said he is “hoping for a happy ending.”

    The breakout happened when an enclosure door was left unsecured, allowing the young female monkeys to bolt

    Image credits: balajisrinivasan / Pixabay (Representational image)

    The Yemassee Police Department urged residents to call 911 immediately if they locate the young creatures, which they described as females “too young to carry disease.”

    “As of this time the primates have not yet been captured,” the department said.

    “They are believed to be in the wooded region surrounding the facility,” the statement shared on Facebook read. “The staff at Alpha Genesis are currently attempting to entice the animals back using food in order to ensure their safe capture.”

    Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard calls the escape “frustrating” and rare

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    Image credits: balouriarajesh / Pixabay (Representational image)

    The police also advised residents not to approach the animals if they are spotted.

    “Residents are urged to keep their doors and windows securely closed and to report any sightings immediately by dialing 911,” the department said. “Please do not attempt to approach these animals under any circumstances.”

    Police Chief Gregory Alexander warned residents about the repercussions of taking one of the animals home.

    “Just don’t try to take these things home or pet them,” Gregory told The Post and Courier. “We’re getting a lot of that on our social media. (Taking them) is a felony because they don’t belong to you.”

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    Binitha Jacob

    Binitha Jacob

    Author, BoredPanda staff

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    Working as a writer for Bored Panda offers an added layer of excitement. By afternoon, I'm fully immersed in the whirlwind of celebrity drama, and by evening, I'm navigating through the bustling universe of likes, shares, and clicks. This role not only allows me to delve into the fascinating world of pop culture but also lets me do what I love: weave words together and tell other people's captivating stories to the world

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    Binitha Jacob

    Binitha Jacob

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Working as a writer for Bored Panda offers an added layer of excitement. By afternoon, I'm fully immersed in the whirlwind of celebrity drama, and by evening, I'm navigating through the bustling universe of likes, shares, and clicks. This role not only allows me to delve into the fascinating world of pop culture but also lets me do what I love: weave words together and tell other people's captivating stories to the world

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    LizzieBoredom
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "They don't belong to you". Apparently, they don't belong to you either.

    BrunoVI
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't worry... it's only a BREEDING facility for monkeys used in infectious disease research. (/sarcasm, but don't confuse sarcasm with irony.)

    N G
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I've seen this film. Was is Planet of.. something??

    Load More Comments
    LizzieBoredom
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "They don't belong to you". Apparently, they don't belong to you either.

    BrunoVI
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't worry... it's only a BREEDING facility for monkeys used in infectious disease research. (/sarcasm, but don't confuse sarcasm with irony.)

    N G
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I've seen this film. Was is Planet of.. something??

    Load More Comments
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