News Summary
A significant incident occurred at the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in South Carolina, where 43 Rhesus macaques escaped. While 24 have been recaptured and are reported to be in good health, many remain unaccounted for. Local authorities have advised residents to secure their homes, and investigations into the facility’s animal welfare practices are underway due to previous escape incidents and concerns raised by PETA. Congresswoman Nancy Mace is questioning the federal oversight related to the $110 million taxpayer funding the center has received.
South Carolina experienced a situation involving the escape of 43 Rhesus macaques from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center on November 6, 2024. These young female monkeys, weighing between 6 to 7 pounds, are reported to have not been involved in any research studies prior to their escape.
As of Sunday, authorities confirmed that 24 of the escaped monkeys have been recaptured, with subsequent veterinary examinations indicating that these animals are in good health. Nonetheless, a notable number of monkeys are still unaccounted for, with many thought to be along a perimeter fence surrounding the facility. Ongoing efforts are focusing on retrieving the remaining monkeys, with Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard reaffirming their commitment to recovering all missing animals.
Local law enforcement has issued guidelines to residents in the area, recommending that they secure windows and doors. They also advised against using drones in the vicinity to prevent causing additional stress to the already distressed primates. This escape incident has been attributed to “human error,” specifically a failure by a caretaker to properly secure the enclosure doors.
The Alpha Genesis facility, often referred to as “The Monkey Farm,” has had a history of similar escape incidents, leading to heightened scrutiny over its operations. In light of this latest escape, animal rights group PETA has called for an investigation into the facility’s treatment of animals. PETA has previously raised concerns about violations of animal welfare laws associated with Alpha Genesis.
Additionally, Congresswoman Nancy Mace has initiated inquiries regarding the federal oversight and funding for Alpha Genesis. Since 2008, the facility has received over $110 million in taxpayer funding, raising questions about its animal welfare practices amid these recent events. There is now a growing focus on whether adequate measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals housed there.
Despite the challenges, local police are actively monitoring the situation and report that the captured monkeys have been engaging in natural behaviors since their return. At this time, four monkeys remain unrecaptured, and search teams continue to coordinate efforts to locate them within the vicinity of the research center.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding animal care and oversight at the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center, with implications for both animal welfare and local community safety at the forefront of current discussions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Bluffton Today: Yemassee Monkeys Recaptured
- Wikipedia: Rhesus macaque
- Live 5 News: Escaped Monkeys Update
- Google Search: Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center
- Fox Weather: Alpha Genesis Monkey Update
- Google Scholar: Animal Welfare Primate Research
- Island Packet: Beaufort News on Monkey Escape
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Rights
- Post and Courier: Monkey Farm Death Details
- Google News: Alpha Genesis Monkeys Escape
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
