Caesar, that’s you?? In an incident that sounds like a ‘Planet of the Apes’ plot, 40 monkeys have escaped a research facility named Alpha Genesis. Now, police in South Carolina are warning residents about staying alert and safe.
Monkeys Escape In Beaufort County
According to the Yemassee Police Department, the primates were still on the loose at 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 6). It’s unclear what breed of monkeys escaped from Alpha Genesis in Beaufort County, South Carolina. However, the research facility’s website reveals that the company works with rhesus, cynomolgus, and capuchin monkeys for its bio-research services.
What’s also a mystery is HOW the animals busted out their holdings in the first place. Ironically, this isn’t the first time that monkeys have busted out of Alpha Genesis’ facilities. CBS News, citing the Post and Courier, reported that the 19 primates escaped eight years ago. However, they were all captured within six hours.
That’s what local police and Alpha Genesis intend to do again. In a social media update, the Yemassee Police Department revealed that they’ve set traps for the monkeys on the loose. Additionally, they’re using thermal imaging cameras to locate the missing 40.
What Happens Next?
As of Thursday morning, the Yemassee Police Department hadn’t provided any updates on the monkeys. So, at this time, it’s unclear if any of the 40 animals have been recaptured. However, cops are warning folks in the Beaufort County area to avoid the animals if they see them. The area where this happened is about two hours away from Augusta, Georgia.
The police department’s Facebook post says, “If you see any of them, please DO NOT approach or attempt to interact with them; instead, contact 911 immediately!”
Additionally, cops are telling residents to keep their doors and windows locked and secured to keep monkeys from entering their homes. Alpha Genesis and the PD haven’t explicitly revealed whether the animals are dangerous or aggressive.
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What Do You Think Roomies?