A significant number of primates, exceeding forty, were at large on Thursday within a modest American municipality following their departure from a research establishment. Officials issued advisories for residents to maintain their dwellings secured against entry.
The specific species involved are rhesus macaques, which law enforcement in Yemassee, South Carolina, characterized as exhibiting nervous behavior. The incident of their escape from holding areas occurred the preceding day at a facility operated by Alpha Genesis, an organization dedicated to primate-centric biomedical investigations.
Specialized search parties were mobilized to aid in the apprehension of the escaped animals. These teams are reportedly employing food-based incentives to draw the primates, as communicated by the local constabulary via a social media platform.
“The populace is strongly encouraged to ensure that all entry points to their residences are firmly fastened and to promptly report any visual confirmation by contacting emergency services. It is imperative that no attempt be made to interact with these creatures under any circumstances,” the advisory stated.
The police department further elaborated that all 43 of the young, female primates weighed approximately seven pounds (three kilograms) and had not been subjected to experimental procedures.
A representative from Alpha Genesis asserted that the animals are too juvenile to be carriers of disease.
Mr. Greg Westergaard, the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Genesis, expressed his dismay regarding the occurrence, describing it as “exasperating.” In his remarks to CBS News, he conveyed an optimistic outlook for a favorable resolution where the primates would voluntarily return.
He explained that the escape became possible when a caregiver neglected to properly secure an enclosure door, thereby permitting the primates to gain their freedom.
“It’s very much a herd mentality; one departs, and the others follow suit,” Mr. Westergaard commented.
