Last 4 escaped monkeys captured after months on the loose in South Carolina – 1290 WJNO

Authorities in South Carolina have successfully captured the last four of 43 rhesus macaque monkeys that escaped from a facility in Yemassee. The monkeys, all female, had been on the loose for two months after an employee at Alpha Genesis, a medical research breeding facility, failed to properly secure their enclosure on November 6. The monkeys were eventually lured back into captivity using Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches and Monkey Biscuits, a special high-protein Purina Monkey Chow.

During their time in the wild, the monkeys weathered a rare snowstorm that brought up to three inches of snow to the area, the first such event in seven years. Despite their time in the forest, the monkeys appeared to be in good health upon their return, according to Alpha Genesis executive director Greg Westergaard.

The escape occurred when a worker inadvertently left multiple gates and latches unsecured, allowing the monkeys to roam free. The facility, located about a mile from downtown Yemassee and 50 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, bred monkeys for sale to medical facilities and researchers.

The rhesus macaques, weighing about seven pounds, did not pose a risk to public health during their escape, as confirmed by Alpha Genesis, federal health officials and police.