Rhesus Macaque Monkeys Recaptured After Two-Month Escape

News Summary

The last four rhesus macaque monkeys that escaped from Alpha Genesis in South Carolina have been recaptured after a two-month adventure. The monkeys explored local woods, faced a snowstorm, and were finally lured back with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Amid scrutiny from animal rights groups, the facility has come under investigation for recent deaths of other monkeys under their care. The return of these monkeys raises questions about animal treatment and safety in breeding facilities.

Last Four Rhesus Macaque Monkeys in South Carolina Recaptured After Two-Month Adventure

In a twist that sounds like something straight out of a movie, the last four of 43 rhesus macaque monkeys that made a daring escape from their home in South Carolina have finally been captured after a two-month romp through the local woods. These little monkeys went on their grand adventure after sneaking out of Alpha Genesis, a well-known breeding facility, on November 6, 2023, when an employee unintentionally left the enclosure gates wide open.

A Wild Monkey Farm Story

For those not in the know, Alpha Genesis is often referred to as “the monkey farm” by locals. It sounds charming, doesn’t it? Well, while the name might sound cute, the story behind these cheeky escapees is quite the rollercoaster. Over two months, these four female monkeys explored their temporary freedom in the nearby area, showing off their natural behaviors by climbing trees and grooming each other.

Amid the excitement of their escape, the monkeys faced some serious weather challenges. They weathered a rare snowstorm that blanketed the region with up to three inches of snow—something local folks hadn’t seen in seven years. Talk about an adventure! But thankfully, reports indicate that all four monkeys returned in good health, which is something everyone can feel happy about.

The Great Peanut Butter and Jelly Rescue

After all that excitement, it was the humble peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that ultimately lured these little monkeys back to captivity. Along with their favorite treat known as “monkey biscuits” (that’s high-protein Purina Monkey Chow), the Alpha Genesis staff set up humane traps to coax the monkeys back home. Can you imagine the scene? Sandwiches on one side and curious little monkeys on the other—it must have been quite the moment!

If you’re new to the world of monkeys, each of these rhesus macaques is about the size of a house cat and weighs between 6 to 7 pounds. During their time outside, they were too young to pose any health risks. Alpha Genesis clarified that their escape presented no danger to the public, which is a relief for those living in the vicinity.

Scrutiny and Sentiments

However, not everything has been smooth sailing for Alpha Genesis. The facility has caught the attention of animal rights activists, particularly the group PETA. According to the organization, there were concerns regarding the well-being of the monkeys amid accusations of misconduct and poor animal care. Tensions have flared, with the CEO of Alpha Genesis expressing his frustration over these criticisms.

Adding fuel to the fire, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is now investigating a complaint related to the unfortunate deaths of 22 monkeys during the cold weather. With ongoing reviews and scrutiny, Alpha Genesis has found itself in the spotlight like never before. Over the last decade, the company has received over $130 million in funding from the Department of Health and Human Services, which raises questions about how these funds are being used.

Conclusion: Back to Business

As of now, all four escaped monkeys have rejoined their friends at Alpha Genesis, where approximately 4,000 monkeys reside across multiple facilities. The company has been a leading source of nonhuman primates for medical research, making their antics all the more noteworthy. With some luck and a few peanut butter sandwiches, the story of the Great Monkey Escape of South Carolina may just come to a peaceful conclusion. Here’s hoping that both the monkeys and the facility can find a way to coexist peacefully in the future!

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