Major police update on 43 escaped monkeys after worker left enclosure door open

Dozens of escaped monkeys remain on the run from a breeding facility after a bumbling worker left the door open.

Police have given an update on the whereabouts of the 43 female rhesus macaques who managed to break out of Alpha Genesis Primate Research Centre in Tamassee, South Carolina, which has a history of security mishaps. It was suspected that the monkeys were in the wooded area surrounding the facility and that has now been confirmed by cops who said they had been seen on the outside of the perimeter fence and “engaging” with those inside by “cooing”.

Yemassee Police Department wrote on Facebook that they where showing “calm and playful” behaviour but had not yet been recovered. People are being warned to avoid the area until the animals are returned safely to their enclosures. Alpha Genesis breeds monkeys to sell for medical testing and research with a federal inspection in May reportedly finding that they had 6,701 primates. And in 2016, 19 monkeys made a bid for freedom but they were caught six hours later.

READ MORE: Hospital calls pest control 80 times for infestations of rats, mice, ants, woodlice and wasps

READ MORE:Tributes paid to 'amazing and kind' 10-year-old Cork girl who died 'in the arms of her daddy'

But this time they have been harder to recapture having got out through a door that was left open around 1pm on November 6. Police were said to have used thermal imaging cameras to help try and locate the primates that weigh around six pounds and do not pose a threat to the public.

“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,” said the local force today.

“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.”

And Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard said the operation to recapture the monkeys had been made more difficult due to rain which he said had seen the animals “hunkered down”.

Police Chief Gregory Alexander warned local residents to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent them sneaking in while also warned people not to think about keeping them as pets. "Just don't try to take these things home or pet them," the police chief told local media. "We're getting a lot of that on our social media. [Taking them] is a felony because they don't belong to you."

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.