South Carolina residents, lock your doors! Forty-three young rhesus macaque monkeys are on the run after staging a daring escape from the Alpha Genesis research facility in Beaufort County.
Thanks to a simple slip-up—a door left unsecured by a caretaker—the monkeys took off, leading authorities on a wild chase.
Thermal cameras are out, traps are set, and the scene is nothing short of a real-life monkey business.
So, How Did This Monkey Meltdown Happen?
Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, chalks it up to a game of “follow-the-leader.”
One monkey saw freedom, and 42 more weren’t about to miss out.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Westergaard. “It’s rare to have a whole group make a break for it.”
Of the 50 in the enclosure, only seven decided to stay put—clearly not the adventurous types!
Operation Monkey Hunt: Can Apples Save the Day?
Armed with apples and have-a-heart traps, Alpha Genesis and local authorities are hoping to coax the macaques back.
But with no captures as of Thursday afternoon, it seems these monkeys are making the most of their new adventure.
“They’re skittish,” police noted, as they warned residents to keep windows and doors locked—just in case a curious monkey decides to come knocking.
CDC Says “Don’t Panic”—But Maybe Don’t Get Too Close Either
The CDC assures there’s no health risk, as long as residents keep their distance.
These monkeys have been “conditioned to be around people,” but that doesn’t mean they’re lining up for hugs.
The message is clear: enjoy the spectacle from afar and call 911 if you spot one of these furry escape artists.
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