43 Monkeys Escape Animal Testing Facility In South Carolina: Urge Their Safe Transfer To Born Free’s Sanctuary

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at approximately 1 PM, the Yemassee Police Department was notified by Alpha Genesis, a primate research facility, about the escape of 43 young rhesus macaque monkeys. Situated at 95 Castle Hall Rd. in Yemassee, SC, the facility confirmed that the escaped primates are all young females, each weighing between six to seven pounds.

A spokesperson from Alpha Genesis reassured the public that the monkeys had never been subjected to testing due to their young age and size. However, their escape highlights a significant and concerning issue: animal research. Although these primates have not yet been used in experiments, their future prospects are grim as they grow older. Rhesus macaques are among the most frequently utilized animals in laboratory testing, often enduring extreme suffering in the name of scientific research.

“We are deeply concerned for the welfare of the 43 monkeys who have reportedly escaped from the Alpha Genesis facility in South Carolina. The monkeys are vulnerable, with no experience of living outside of their restricted and inadequate captive environment. As wild animals, they also pose a risk to humans, with a particular threat of zoonotic disease spread,” said Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA.

“We have reached out to Alpha Genesis today to invite them to work with us to rehome the monkeys to the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary, where they can live out their days in safety,” continued Grimes. “We await their response and encourage them to make the right decision to allow these monkeys a second chance at life, away from harm and exploitation. We invite those who share our concerns to reach out to Alpha Genesis to ask them to support our urgent proposal.”

In laboratories, monkeys are often subjected to painful procedures, confined to small cages, and deprived of their natural environments. They experience extreme stress, both physically and mentally, with many displaying signs of trauma and psychological distress. Even those deemed “too young” for testing are kept in captivity under conditions that deny them the ability to live as the intelligent, social creatures they are. Their escape offers a glimpse of the desperation these animals face, longing for freedom from the cages they’ve known all their lives.

The Yemassee Police Department advised the public to avoid the area to prevent hindering the search for the escaped monkeys. Alpha Genesis is attempting to lure the monkeys back with food, but the question remains: once captured, will they face a life of testing or is there a better path forward?

This incident should serve as a wake-up call. Instead of returning these young, innocent animals to a life of captivity and inevitable suffering, we must push for their transfer to the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary!

URGENT CALL TO ACTION!

Please call Alpha Genesis and politely urge them to work with Born Free USA to rehome the monkeys and to provide funding for their care. You can call the animal testing facility at (843) 589-5190 and email them here: info@alphagenesisinc.com

You can also sign Born Free USA’s petition HERE!

The Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary in South Texas is home to about 230 monkeys, rescued from the pet trade, labs, and zoos. The sanctuary offers them a natural environment, free from the horrors of experimentation. Please help Born Free rescue more monkeys by donating HERE!