Monkeys on Loose: More Than Half Recovered After Escape from South Carolina Facility

More than a half out of 43 Rhesus macaques that escaped from a research facility in South Carolina last week have been safely recovered, The Associated Press reports.

Twenty-four monkeys were captured on Sunday, bringing the total recovered to 25.

The monkeys escaped Wednesday after an employee at the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee failed to fully secure a door while feeding and checking on the animals. Since then, authorities have been working tirelessly to recapture the primates, who have been observed exploring the perimeter of the facility and even interacting with their companions still inside.

“A sizeable group” remains at large, according to Yemassee police, who reported the monkeys bedded down in the trees for the night. Veterinarians have examined the captured monkeys, and initial reports indicate they are all in good health.

Despite the escape, officials have assured the public that the monkeys, which are about the size of a cat and weigh around 7 pounds, pose no risk to public health. Alpha Genesis, a company that breeds the monkeys for research, provides primates to researchers worldwide.

Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard has vowed that the search for the remaining monkeys will continue until all are safely back in their enclosure.