Authorities are searching for 43 rhesus monkeys that have escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Bio Lab in Yemassee, South Carolina.
The Yemassee Police Department has set up traps and is using thermal imaging cameras to find the animals.
The monkeys are females weighing about 7 pounds (3 kilograms) and are so young and small that they haven’t been used for testing, police said.
Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, expressed frustration over the escape but remained hopeful that the monkeys would return on their own.
He explained that a caretaker accidentally left an enclosure door unsecured, allowing the group to break free.
“Alpha Genesis has eyes on the primates and is working to entice them with food,” police said. “Residents are strongly advised to secure doors and windows to prevent the monkeys from entering homes. If you see any of the escaped animals, please call 911 immediately and avoid approaching them.”
The Yemassee Police Department assured the public that there is no health risk associated with the escaped monkeys.
