All 43 rhesus macaques that left the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Facility in Yemassee have been captured. As reported by WBTV, the last monkey was safely taken into custody today, as confirmed by Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard. Westergaard acknowledged the collective efforts involved in the recapture.
After the escape on November 7, 2024, officials reassured residents that the monkeys, mostly young females weighing under 10 pounds, posed no danger, as mentioned in a WSAZ report. The escape was traced to a caretaker's failure to properly secure facility doors. The event gained attention as locals spotted the macaques in trees and one road.
The facility's recapture mission used a less invasive approach, offering fruit and treats instead of tranquilizers, to avoid putting the monkeys' welfare at risk. This method may have extended the capture process, according to KBTX.
Alpha Genesis faced scrutiny following whistleblower complaints and a USDA review, reportedly linked to concerns raised by PETA about the facility's practices. The future impact on the center’s operations and standing remains unclear, especially considering it has received over $130 million in taxpayer funds over the past decade. The USDA, in response to the complaint, confirmed they are assessing potential violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
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