Forty monkeys escaped from a research facility in South Carolina.
Thermal imaging cameras and traps were deployed to recapture the animals that escaped from the Alpha Genesis site in Yamasee on Wednesday night.
“We strongly urge residents to keep their doors and windows closed to prevent these animals from entering their homes,” police warned on Facebook.
Residents of Yamasee, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Charleston, are being urged not to approach the monkeys and to call 911 immediately if they spot them.
AlphaGenesis says it offers “non-human primate products and biological research services” with “over 100 acres of quarantine, breeding, storage and research space.”
The company says it conducts clinical trials to treat brain diseases and other treatments, and provides “the highest standards of care for all animals.”
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The breeds that escaped have not been disclosed, but the company’s website says they include macaques and capuchin monkeys.
According to local media, this is not the first escape from Alpha Genesis, with 19 people reportedly escaping in 2016 and recaptured six hours later.
