The escape of 43 monkeys from a research facility in Yemassee, South Carolina, has captured national attention as officials continue working to bring the elusive primates back safely. The drama began Wednesday afternoon when Alpha Genesis reported that dozens of rhesus macaque monkeys had escaped due to a caretaker leaving a door unsecured.

Initially described as young, small females weighing about 6-7 pounds, the monkeys quickly scattered into the wooded area surrounding the facility. Authorities emphasized that the primates posed no health risk, as they were too young to carry disease. Despite their harmless nature, the monkeys are highly skittish, making their safe capture a delicate process.

43 monkeys that were being used for vaccine development escaped from a lab in Yemassee, South Carolina on Wednesday and are currently on the loose. This video, taken near the facility on Wednesday afternoon, appears to show shadowy figures moving through the woods. CBS News could… pic.twitter.com/ds1tOOpTZi

— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 7, 2024

🚨🇺🇸 REMINDER: 43 BIOLAB MONKEYS ARE STILL ON THE LOOSE

Forty rhesus macaques escaped from the Alpha Genesis research facility in South Carolina after an unlocked door allowed them to flee.

Staff are attempting to lure the monkeys back with food, as they roam near the… pic.twitter.com/FPaJJATpg6

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 9, 2024

By Thursday, search efforts intensified. Thermal imaging cameras were deployed, and food traps were set up to lure the animals back. Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard reported that while some monkeys had approached the traps, none were captured. “We believe the best way to recapture the animals is a passive, humane way,” Westergaard explained, urging residents to avoid flying drones or lingering near the facility, as these actions could further stress the primates.

On Friday, there were signs of progress. Some monkeys returned to the perimeter of the facility, engaging with their companions inside and displaying playful behavior. Staff remained on site, watching closely and maintaining a calm environment to encourage the animals to return. “The primates are cooing and interacting with each other, which is a positive sign,” Westergaard noted.

🚨#BREAKING: Officials are urgently searching for 40 Rhesus monkeys that escaped from bio-research lab

📌#Yemassee | #SouthCarolina⁰
Currently an urgent search is underway as authorities report that 40 to 43 rhesus monkeys escaped from a research bio-lab facility in the… pic.twitter.com/lSDmhnyIrm

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 7, 2024

43 monkeys on the loose in South Carolina town after escaping from research lab pic.twitter.com/fKqwOK86mE

— First responder (@MgdFirstComment) November 7, 2024

This isn’t the first time Alpha Genesis has faced such an incident. In 2016, 19 monkeys escaped the same facility, prompting similar concerns. Residents have been advised to keep doors and windows securely closed and to call 911 immediately if they see any of the primates.

How tf do 43 monkey escape without help? https://t.co/Dcgw3Xy3T2

— GM_Anon (@AnonWeaponry3) November 7, 2024

As of Friday evening, the monkeys remain at large, but officials remain optimistic. The facility continues its efforts to safely return the animals, assuring the public that every step is being taken to resolve the situation humanely.

Soooo… How are those 43 monkeys doing this morning? 🤔😁 pic.twitter.com/I2bzOCMyYs

— ⚓ Voice of Reason (@PausedOptimist) November 9, 2024