If someone told you that lab monkeys involved in genetic research had broken free from a facility run by a company named Alpha Genesis, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was the plot of a sci-fi thriller. But that’s exactly what happened in Yemassee, South Carolina, where 43 young rhesus macaques have been gleefully exploring the area since their great escape on November 6, 2024.
According to local police, the monkeys have mostly stayed near the facility’s perimeter, displaying “calm and playful behavior.” Residents have been advised to keep their doors and windows shut, but officials assure the public that the monkeys are disease-free and pose no health risks. Meanwhile, Alpha Genesis staff are trying to lure them back with food, but the mischievous escapees don’t seem eager to return.
A Monkey Escape Straight Out of a Movie
The facility, home to around 6,000 primates, lost the macaques after a caretaker accidentally left a door unlatched—giving these curious young monkeys a golden opportunity for adventure. “They’re just being goofy monkeys, jumping back and forth, playing with each other,” Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard told CBS News.
Online, the story has sparked both amusement and concern. Many have joked about the incident feeling straight out of Planet of the Apes, with one Reddit user quipping, “I’m pretty sure I watched this movie…” Others expressed skepticism about Alpha Genesis’s handling of the situation, with some pointing to the company’s past issues with escaped primates.
A History of Escapes and Ongoing Scrutiny
This isn’t the first time Alpha Genesis has had trouble keeping its monkeys contained. Between 2014 and 2016, the USDA documented multiple escapes, including a 2014 incident involving 26 monkeys—most of whom were recaptured within two days. Another monkey escaped and was never found. The facility was fined $12,600 in 2018, but animal rights activists argue that the penalties should have been much steeper.
Mike Budkie, Executive Director of Stop Animal Exploitation NOW! (SAEN), has been vocal in his criticism of Alpha Genesis, calling for stricter oversight. “We’re not going away,” he stated. “We do not intend to let this issue rest.”
What Happens Next?
For now, Alpha Genesis staff are keeping a close eye on the monkeys, hoping to coax them back inside. The macaques have been seen calling to their companions inside the facility, seemingly enjoying their taste of freedom.
Residents are advised to remain cautious, but for now, the escaped monkeys are simply making the most of their unexpected adventure—while sparking conversations about ethics in animal research.