40 monkeys escape from South Carolina research facility; The police warn residents to properly lock doors and windows

Authorities in South Carolina have warned residents to lock their doors and windows after 40 monkeys escaped from a research facility on Wednesday evening.

The primates broke free from an Alpha Genesis facility in Beaufort County and traps have been set up and thermal imaging cameras are being used in an effort to locate the fugitive monkeys, Yemassee police said in a statement.

“Residents are strongly advised to lock doors and windows to prevent these animals from entering their homes,” police say said. “If you see any of the escaped animals, contact 911 immediately and do not approach them.”

According to its website, Alpha Genesis breeds monkeys and provides “non-human primate products and bioresearch services” around the world. The company’s clinical trials reportedly include research into progressive brain disorders.

Authorities have not identified the breed of the escaped primates, but the company’s website says its staff of veterinary technicians and animal specialists works with cynomolgous, rhesus and capuchin monkeys.

Yemassee police said multiple officers worked with Alpha Genesis personnel to recapture the primates.

The Post and courier The newspaper reported last year that Alpha Genesis had won a federal contract to monitor a colony of 3,500 rhesus monkeys on South Carolina’s Morgan Island, known as “Monkey Island.”

The newspaper reported that monkeys have escaped from Alpha Genesis before. Eight years ago, 19 primates escaped from the company’s factory but were recaptured about six hours later.

Last year, dozens of laboratory monkeys escaped in Pennsylvania after a truck carrying 100 of the animals crashed. All primates were later charged.