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Final Four Rhesus Macaque Monkeys Recaptured in Yemassee

Rhesus Macaque Monkeys in the Wild

News Summary

The search for the last four of the 43 escaped female rhesus macaque monkeys in Yemassee, South Carolina, has ended successfully after two months. These monkeys, which escaped due to a caretaker’s error at the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Facility, faced weather challenges yet posed no public health risks. The local community and law enforcement collaborated to recapture all the monkeys, utilizing humane traps and enticing bait, marking the end of an adventurous saga.

Final Four Rhesus Macaque Monkeys Recaptured in Yemassee After an Adventurous Escape

Yemassee, South Carolina, can now breathe a little easier as the search for the final four of the 43 escaped female rhesus macaque monkeys has come to a successful end. After two months of rustling through the woods, these spunky little adventurers were finally recaptured, bringing a wild chapter to a close.

The saga kicked off on November 6 when a caretaker at the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Facility, commonly nicknamed “the monkey farm,” accidentally failed to securely fasten the enclosure’s locks. This little slip-up turned into a major escape adventure, leading the feisty furry critters to a life of freedom in the wild. While the monkeys enjoyed their independence, thankfully, their escape didn’t turn them into local troublemakers, as authorities assured the community that they posed no risk to public health.

Surviving the Elements

These monkeys faced more than just the challenge of freedom. They weathered a rare snowstorm that blanketed the area with up to 3 inches of snow, providing an extra layer of challenge to their woodland life. Despite the cold, the adventurous monkeys primarily stayed close to the Alpha Genesis facility, around a mile from downtown Yemassee and approximately 50 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia.

The first monkey was recaptured merely two days after the great escape. By November 9, a wave of optimism surged as the initial capture set the stage for future rescues. As the days turned into weeks, only eight monkeys remained lost in the woods as of November 17. The research facility worked tirelessly with local residents and police, launching efforts to catch the remaining escapees.

Monkey Traps and Local Support

Using humane traps and enticing bait, including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and specially designed “monkey biscuits,” the team gradually lured the monkeys back to safety. Their clever methods paid off beautifully, and this week marked the thrilling conclusion of the monkey hunt, with all four of the last stunning escapees found in good health.

The little macaques are about the size of a cat and weigh around 7 pounds (3 kilograms). With a shared DNA of approximately 93% with humans, they’re more than just cute faces; they hold significant value in scientific research, aiding researchers and medical facilities since the late 1800s. These monkeys traced their origin back to China and India, thriving in diverse habitats and conditions.

Community Efforts and Future Precautions

Throughout this entire escapade, the spirited community of Yemassee rallied together to help with the recapture efforts, showcasing a remarkable display of unity and teamwork. Local police even urged residents to steer clear of the monkeys and report any sightings, emphasizing the importance of safety and cooperation.

Greg Westergaard, the CEO of Alpha Genesis, expressed his sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Yemassee community during this challenging time. The emphasis on collaboration between the facility, local residents, and law enforcement truly highlighted a community coming together in a unique adventure.

Now that this escapade is behind us, the Alpha Genesis facility can return to its regular operations, which include breeding macaques for research projects involving various clients in both the governmental and private sectors. It’s a reminder of the vibrant and sometimes unpredictable nature of life at the monkey farm; one never knows when the next great monkey caper might unfold!