Forty-three research monkeys that made a daring escape from a South Carolina facility last November have all been successfully recaptured, bringing relief to the community and authorities alike. The Yemassee Police Department provided an update on Friday, confirming that the primates, which had fled from the Alpha Genesis facility due to a caretaker oversight, were all safely accounted for. Despite the initial tension and uncertainty surrounding their whereabouts, the monkeys were eventually located within a wooded area near the facility. Residents in the vicinity were advised to take precautionary measures, such as locking doors and windows, while authorities worked diligently to locate and secure the animals. The successful recapture of the monkeys was attributed to a collaborative effort involving law enforcement, community members, and the facility’s CEO, Greg Westergaard, who reassured the public that the animals were in good health. However, concerns have been raised by animal welfare advocates, such as Kathleen Conlee of the Humane Society of the United States, regarding the fate of the monkeys following their recapture. Conlee emphasized the need to transition away from traditional animal testing practices towards more humane and effective alternatives based on human biology, in order to prevent further suffering of animals in research settings.
