Here is the latest on the monkeys that escaped a research facility in Yemassee, South Carolina, on Nov. 6.Wednesday 6:30 p.m. update:”The Yemassee Police Department has been informed by Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard that an additional 3 primates have been safely recovered today, all appearing to be in good health.”This latest recovery brings the total number recovered to 35.”Alpha Genesis staff are continuing efforts to safely recover the remaining 8.”We kindly ask the public to continue avoiding the area.”Additional updates will be provided as new information is relayed to the Yemassee Police Department.”Tuesday 6 p.m. update:”The Yemassee Police Department has been informed by Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard that an additional 2 primates have been safely recovered today, all appearing to be in good health upon examination. They are currently eating their PB&J sandwiches for dinner. “This latest recovery brings the total number recovered to 32.”A group of remaining primates continue to be sighted close to the traps and in the woods adjacent to the facility, they have been heard cooing back and forth to each other.”Efforts to safely capture the remaining primates will continue throughout the evening.”We kindly ask the public to continue avoiding the area and to refrain from using drones near the facility.”We sincerely appreciate the community’s ongoing patience and concern during this time.”Additional updates will be provided as new information is relayed to the Yemassee Police Department.”Monday 5:40 p.m. update: YPD was just notified that the number recovered today now stands at 5, bringing the total number to 30.The Yemassee Police Department has been informed by Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard that three additional primates have been successfully recovered today, all appearing to be in good health. This latest recovery brings the total number of primates recovered to 28.Efforts to safely capture the remaining primates will continue throughout the evening and as long as necessary.We cannot stress enough the importance of the public avoiding the area, and under no circumstances should drones be operated near the facility, as they can startle the animals and cause further stress.We sincerely appreciate the community’s patience and concern during this time.Additional updates will be provided as new information is relayed to YPD.Sunday 5 p.m. latest:”As of 5 p.m. today, Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard has confirmed the successful recovery of an additional 24 primates, bringing the number recovered to 25. “A sizable group remains active along the fence line and at this time have bedded down in the trees for the night.”Veterinarians have been diligently conducting thorough wellness exams throughout the day. Initial reports from the veterinary team indicate that all recovered animals are in good health.”The Alpha Genesis team is continuing its efforts and will continue until all animals are safely recovered.”We thank the public for their cooperation in avoiding the area and kindly ask that drones not be used in the vicinity.We appreciate the community’s ongoing patience and concern.”If you spot any of the remaining primates, please report your sighting by calling 911. We strongly advise against approaching or interacting with them.”We will provide further updates as the information is relayed to us.”Saturday 9 p.m.:”As of 9 p.m. this evening, Alpha Genesis has successfully recovered only one of the escaped primates. “The Alpha Genesis team is actively deploying additional traps baited with food and will continue this effort throughout the night. A large group of primates are still active along the facility’s fence line and have been spotted resting in the trees that border the property.”The animals continue to engage with their companions inside the facility, which is encouraging.”CEO Greg Westergaard noted that the recovery process is slow, but the team is committed to taking as much time as necessary to safely recover all remaining animals.”We STRONGLY urge the public to avoid the area surrounding the facility to prevent startling the primates.”It is crucial to AVOID FLYING DRONES in this vicinity, as they can frighten the animals and elevate their stress levels. A recent incident involving a drone led to the primates becoming spooked, which not only increased their stress but also complicated efforts for their safe return.”According to Alpha Genesis, there is currently no threat to public health.”We appreciate the community’s continued patience and concern as we monitor the situation and work towards a successful resolution.”If you see any of the remaining primates, please report your sighting by calling 911 and refrain from approaching or interacting with them.”Further updates will be provided as we receive the information.”Saturday 12 p.m.:”As of noon today, we are pleased to report that one of the escaped primates has been successfully recovered unharmed. A significant number of the remaining primates are still located just a few yards from the property, jumping back and forth over the facility’s fence.”Alpha Genesis management and staff are on-site, actively feeding and monitoring the animals, and they will continue these efforts throughout the weekend.”The primates continue to interact with their companions inside the facility, which is a positive sign.”CEO Greg Westergaard relayed that efforts to recover all the animals will persist throughout the weekend and for as long as it takes.”We strongly urge the public to refrain from entering the area surrounding the facility, as these animals can be easily startled. Alpha Genesis is working diligently to ensure the safe recovery of all primates.”We must emphasize the importance of avoiding the use of drones in the vicinity. The presence of drones not only frightens the animals but also elevates their stress levels. A drone that flew over the area yesterday caused a disturbance spooking the animals, further complicating efforts to facilitate their safe return.”As a reminder, there is currently no threat to public health according to Alpha Genesis.”We appreciate the community’s ongoing patience and concern as we continue to monitor the situation and strive for a successful outcome.”If you spot any of the remaining primates, please report your sighting by calling 911 and avoid approaching or interacting with them.”Further updates will be communicated as new information becomes available.”Friday 8 p.m.:”As of 8 p.m. today, the escaped primates have not been returned to their enclosures.”Alpha Genesis management and staff are currently on site feeding and monitoring the primates at the perimeter of the facility’s fence. The animals are engaging with their companions inside while displaying a calm demeanor. “Efforts to attract the primates with food have resulted in several of them returning to the property, although they have jumped back to the outside fence this is still a very positive development.”CEO Greg Westergaard of Alpha Genesis expressed optimism regarding the behavior observed today. He detailed their use of “Have a Heart” traps, which are humane traps designed with a trap door system. Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westgaard also relayed that a couple of primates entered the traps today but not enough to activate the doors. He believes the best way to recapture the animals is a passive humane way.”We urge the public not to linger in the area to avoid startling the primates further and request that people refrain from entering the vicinity of the facility. “*PLEASE AVOID FLYING DRONES in the area, this not only scares the animals but increases their stress level. Flying drones over these animals hinders the safe recapture, it also makes it more difficult to keep them calm.*”Staff are diligently watching the primates and will continue to do so over the weekend.”As previously stated, there is currently no threat to public health according to Alpha Genesis.”We are grateful for the community’s overwhelming support and concern as we continue to monitor the situation, and work towards a successful outcome.”Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.”Friday 12 p.m.: “As of noon today, we would like to provide an update regarding the escaped primates. They have not yet been re-captured and returned to their enclosures.”Current observations show the primates playfully exploring the perimeter fence of the facility, engaging with those still inside by cooing to them.”Alpha Genesis is keeping a close watch on the situation while maintaining a safe distance at this time.”The primates are exhibiting calm and playful behavior, which is a positive indication.”We kindly urge the public to stay clear of this area as Alpha Genesis works diligently to safely recover these animals and return them to their habitats unharmed.”According to previous communications from Alpha Genesis, there is currently no threat to public health.”We sincerely appreciate the community’s overwhelming support and concern as we work towards a positive resolution.”We will provide further updates as more information becomes available.”Update at 5:50 p.m. Thursday from Yemassee Police Department:”Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard told CBS earlier today the 43 primates escaped after a caretaker failed to secure a door. “As of this time the primates have not yet been captured. “They are believed to be in the wooded region surrounding the facility. The staff at Alpha Genesis are currently attempting to entice the animals back using food in order to ensure their safe capture. “Further updates will be provided as we obtain more information. “We urge anyone who sights or encounters one of these animals to contact 911 immediately and to refrain from approaching or interacting with them. These animals are highly sensitive and easily startled, we recommend that the public to avoid the area to prevent frightening them further.”Update at 11:50 a.m. from Yemassee Police Department:”At approximately 1pm on Wednesday November 6, 2024, the Yemassee Police Department received an alert from Alpha Genesis regarding the escape of numerous Rhesus Macaque primates from their enclosures at the Yemassee facility located at 95 Castle Hall Rd, Yemassee SC. “The number has since been confirmed to be 43.”The primates are described as very young females weighing approximately 6-7lbs, the animals have never been used for testing due to their young age and size. “A spokesperson from Alpha Genesis can confirm that these animals are too young to carry disease.”The Yemassee Police Department, in collaboration with Alpha Genesis, have initiated search teams to help locate the escaped primates. “Alpha Genesis currently have eyes on the primates and are working to entice them with food. “The public is advised to avoid the area as these animals are described at skittish and any additional noise or movement could hinder their safe capture.”Residents are urged to keep their doors and windows securely closed and to report any sightings immediately by dialing 911. Please do not attempt to approach these animals under any circumstances.”Update at 10:20 a.m. from Yemassee Police Department:Situation Update: We can confirm that 43 Rhesus macaque primates escaped the Alpha Genesis facility on Castle Hall Road. At this point, none have been captured.- We want to assure the community that there is no health risk associated with these animals.Current Actions Taken Trap Setup: Traps have been strategically set up around the area to capture the escaped animals safely. Thermal Imaging: The Yemassee Police Department is using thermal imaging cameras to aid in locating the primates.Local and State Collaboration- We’re working closely with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and state agricultural and wildlife officials to manage this incident effectively and humanely.Safety Advisory for Residents- Residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows securely closed to prevent the primates from entering homes.- If you spot any escaped animals, do not approach them and call 911 immediately.Community Appreciation and Patience- We thank the Yemassee community for their patience and cooperation. Our team is committed to resolving this safely and efficiently. – Further updates will be shared as they become available, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding and support.Original story: The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said the 40 primates escaped Alpha Genesis facility located on Castle Hall Road in Yemassee Wednesday.They said traps have been set up around the area, and the Yemassee Police Department is using thermal imaging cameras to try and find the animals. Officials say residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows secured to prevent these animals from entering homes. If you spot any of the escaped animals, please contact 911 immediately and refrain from approaching them.This isn’t the first time monkeys have been able to escape from Alpha Genesis. It also happened back in 2016, when 19 monkeys escaped the center.
Here is the latest on the monkeys that escaped a research facility in Yemassee, South Carolina, on Nov. 6.
Wednesday 6:30 p.m. update:
“The Yemassee Police Department has been informed by Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard that an additional 3 primates have been safely recovered today, all appearing to be in good health.
“This latest recovery brings the total number recovered to 35.
“Alpha Genesis staff are continuing efforts to safely recover the remaining 8.
“We kindly ask the public to continue avoiding the area.
“Additional updates will be provided as new information is relayed to the Yemassee Police Department.”
Tuesday 6 p.m. update:
“The Yemassee Police Department has been informed by Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard that an additional 2 primates have been safely recovered today, all appearing to be in good health upon examination. They are currently eating their PB&J sandwiches for dinner.
“This latest recovery brings the total number recovered to 32.
“A group of remaining primates continue to be sighted close to the traps and in the woods adjacent to the facility, they have been heard cooing back and forth to each other.
“Efforts to safely capture the remaining primates will continue throughout the evening.
“We kindly ask the public to continue avoiding the area and to refrain from using drones near the facility.
“We sincerely appreciate the community’s ongoing patience and concern during this time.
“Additional updates will be provided as new information is relayed to the Yemassee Police Department.”
Monday 5:40 p.m. update:
YPD was just notified that the number recovered today now stands at 5, bringing the total number to 30.
The Yemassee Police Department has been informed by Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard that three additional primates have been successfully recovered today, all appearing to be in good health. This latest recovery brings the total number of primates recovered to 28.Efforts to safely capture the remaining primates will continue throughout the evening and as long as necessary.
We cannot stress enough the importance of the public avoiding the area, and under no circumstances should drones be operated near the facility, as they can startle the animals and cause further stress.
We sincerely appreciate the community’s patience and concern during this time.
Additional updates will be provided as new information is relayed to YPD.
Sunday 5 p.m. latest:
“As of 5 p.m. today, Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard has confirmed the successful recovery of an additional 24 primates, bringing the number recovered to 25.
“A sizable group remains active along the fence line and at this time have bedded down in the trees for the night.
“Veterinarians have been diligently conducting thorough wellness exams throughout the day. Initial reports from the veterinary team indicate that all recovered animals are in good health.
“The Alpha Genesis team is continuing its efforts and will continue until all animals are safely recovered.
“We thank the public for their cooperation in avoiding the area and kindly ask that drones not be used in the vicinity.
We appreciate the community’s ongoing patience and concern.
“If you spot any of the remaining primates, please report your sighting by calling 911. We strongly advise against approaching or interacting with them.
“We will provide further updates as the information is relayed to us.”
Saturday 9 p.m.:
“As of 9 p.m. this evening, Alpha Genesis has successfully recovered only one of the escaped primates.
“The Alpha Genesis team is actively deploying additional traps baited with food and will continue this effort throughout the night. A large group of primates are still active along the facility’s fence line and have been spotted resting in the trees that border the property.
“The animals continue to engage with their companions inside the facility, which is encouraging.
“CEO Greg Westergaard noted that the recovery process is slow, but the team is committed to taking as much time as necessary to safely recover all remaining animals.
“We STRONGLY urge the public to avoid the area surrounding the facility to prevent startling the primates.
“It is crucial to AVOID FLYING DRONES in this vicinity, as they can frighten the animals and elevate their stress levels. A recent incident involving a drone led to the primates becoming spooked, which not only increased their stress but also complicated efforts for their safe return.
“According to Alpha Genesis, there is currently no threat to public health.
“We appreciate the community’s continued patience and concern as we monitor the situation and work towards a successful resolution.
“If you see any of the remaining primates, please report your sighting by calling 911 and refrain from approaching or interacting with them.
“Further updates will be provided as we receive the information.”
Saturday 12 p.m.:
“As of noon today, we are pleased to report that one of the escaped primates has been successfully recovered unharmed. A significant number of the remaining primates are still located just a few yards from the property, jumping back and forth over the facility’s fence.
“Alpha Genesis management and staff are on-site, actively feeding and monitoring the animals, and they will continue these efforts throughout the weekend.
“The primates continue to interact with their companions inside the facility, which is a positive sign.
“CEO Greg Westergaard relayed that efforts to recover all the animals will persist throughout the weekend and for as long as it takes.
“We strongly urge the public to refrain from entering the area surrounding the facility, as these animals can be easily startled. Alpha Genesis is working diligently to ensure the safe recovery of all primates.
“We must emphasize the importance of avoiding the use of drones in the vicinity. The presence of drones not only frightens the animals but also elevates their stress levels. A drone that flew over the area yesterday caused a disturbance spooking the animals, further complicating efforts to facilitate their safe return.
“As a reminder, there is currently no threat to public health according to Alpha Genesis.
“We appreciate the community’s ongoing patience and concern as we continue to monitor the situation and strive for a successful outcome.
“If you spot any of the remaining primates, please report your sighting by calling 911 and avoid approaching or interacting with them.
“Further updates will be communicated as new information becomes available.”
Friday 8 p.m.:
“As of 8 p.m. today, the escaped primates have not been returned to their enclosures.
“Alpha Genesis management and staff are currently on site feeding and monitoring the primates at the perimeter of the facility’s fence. The animals are engaging with their companions inside while displaying a calm demeanor.
“Efforts to attract the primates with food have resulted in several of them returning to the property, although they have jumped back to the outside fence this is still a very positive development.
“CEO Greg Westergaard of Alpha Genesis expressed optimism regarding the behavior observed today. He detailed their use of “Have a Heart” traps, which are humane traps designed with a trap door system. Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westgaard also relayed that a couple of primates entered the traps today but not enough to activate the doors. He believes the best way to recapture the animals is a passive humane way.
“We urge the public not to linger in the area to avoid startling the primates further and request that people refrain from entering the vicinity of the facility.
“*PLEASE AVOID FLYING DRONES in the area, this not only scares the animals but increases their stress level. Flying drones over these animals hinders the safe recapture, it also makes it more difficult to keep them calm.*
“Staff are diligently watching the primates and will continue to do so over the weekend.
“As previously stated, there is currently no threat to public health according to Alpha Genesis.
“We are grateful for the community’s overwhelming support and concern as we continue to monitor the situation, and work towards a successful outcome.
“Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.”
Friday 12 p.m.:
“As of noon today, we would like to provide an update regarding the escaped primates. They have not yet been re-captured and returned to their enclosures.
“Current observations show the primates playfully exploring the perimeter fence of the facility, engaging with those still inside by cooing to them.
“Alpha Genesis is keeping a close watch on the situation while maintaining a safe distance at this time.
“The primates are exhibiting calm and playful behavior, which is a positive indication.
“We kindly urge the public to stay clear of this area as Alpha Genesis works diligently to safely recover these animals and return them to their habitats unharmed.
“According to previous communications from Alpha Genesis, there is currently no threat to public health.
“We sincerely appreciate the community’s overwhelming support and concern as we work towards a positive resolution.
“We will provide further updates as more information becomes available.”
Update at 5:50 p.m. Thursday from Yemassee Police Department:
“Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard told CBS earlier today the 43 primates escaped after a caretaker failed to secure a door.
“As of this time the primates have not yet been captured.
“They are believed to be in the wooded region surrounding the facility. The staff at Alpha Genesis are currently attempting to entice the animals back using food in order to ensure their safe capture.
“Further updates will be provided as we obtain more information.
“We urge anyone who sights or encounters one of these animals to contact 911 immediately and to refrain from approaching or interacting with them. These animals are highly sensitive and easily startled, we recommend that the public to avoid the area to prevent frightening them further.”
Update at 11:50 a.m. from Yemassee Police Department:
“At approximately 1pm on Wednesday November 6, 2024, the Yemassee Police Department received an alert from Alpha Genesis regarding the escape of numerous Rhesus Macaque primates from their enclosures at the Yemassee facility located at 95 Castle Hall Rd, Yemassee SC.
“The number has since been confirmed to be 43.
“The primates are described as very young females weighing approximately 6-7lbs, the animals have never been used for testing due to their young age and size.
“A spokesperson from Alpha Genesis can confirm that these animals are too young to carry disease.
“The Yemassee Police Department, in collaboration with Alpha Genesis, have initiated search teams to help locate the escaped primates.
“Alpha Genesis currently have eyes on the primates and are working to entice them with food.
“The public is advised to avoid the area as these animals are described at skittish and any additional noise or movement could hinder their safe capture.
“Residents are urged to keep their doors and windows securely closed and to report any sightings immediately by dialing 911. Please do not attempt to approach these animals under any circumstances.”
Update at 10:20 a.m. from Yemassee Police Department:
Situation Update: We can confirm that 43 Rhesus macaque primates escaped the Alpha Genesis facility on Castle Hall Road. At this point, none have been captured.- We want to assure the community that there is no health risk associated with these animals.
Current Actions Taken Trap Setup: Traps have been strategically set up around the area to capture the escaped animals safely.
Thermal Imaging: The Yemassee Police Department is using thermal imaging cameras to aid in locating the primates.
Local and State Collaboration- We’re working closely with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and state agricultural and wildlife officials to manage this incident effectively and humanely.
Safety Advisory for Residents- Residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows securely closed to prevent the primates from entering homes.- If you spot any escaped animals, do not approach them and call 911 immediately.
Community Appreciation and Patience- We thank the Yemassee community for their patience and cooperation. Our team is committed to resolving this safely and efficiently. – Further updates will be shared as they become available, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding and support.
Original story:
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said the 40 primates escaped Alpha Genesis facility located on Castle Hall Road in Yemassee Wednesday.
They said traps have been set up around the area, and the Yemassee Police Department is using thermal imaging cameras to try and find the animals.
Officials say residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows secured to prevent these animals from entering homes. If you spot any of the escaped animals, please contact 911 immediately and refrain from approaching them.
This isn’t the first time monkeys have been able to escape from Alpha Genesis. It also happened back in 2016, when 19 monkeys escaped the center.
