40 Monkeys Escape Facility in South Carolina

Above: White-throated Capuchin monkeys are seen at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, USA on April 12, 2024. Image copyright: Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Facts

  • Police are searching for more than 40 monkeys who escaped from the Alpha Genesis brain disorder research facility in Yemassee, South Carolina, on Wednesday. The species of monkey is believed to be rhesus macaques.

  • After the monkeys weren't recovered by Thursday morning, police began setting up strategic traps around the area and used thermal imaging cameras to support the search effort.


The Spin

Narrative A

While another monkey escape could sound alarming to people, it's important to know that these primates typically don't travel very far before they're recovered. Alpha Genesis follows effective safety protocols regarding both the treatment of monkeys on the island and how to respond to occasional escapes.

Narrative B

Despite claims from Alpha Genesis, the local police department has noted that this is a fairly common problem for the community. Besides the serious risk of wild primates roaming local towns, facilities like Morgan Island shouldn't exist in the first place, as these poor monkeys are abused through testing. It's no wonder they're trying to escape.


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