Escaped Monkeys: One Returns, 42 Still Missing from South Carolina Facility

A Rhesus macaque was safely recaptured Saturday, according to authorities.

The remaining monkeys are still seen close to the lab, engaging in playful jumps over the enclosure's boundary, law enforcement reported.

The escape occurred when a staff member at the Alpha Genesis research center in Yemassee failed to completely secure a door during feeding and checking routines, leading to the unintended release, according to officials.

Observations on Friday showed the monkeys investigating the perimeter fence of Alpha Genesis, engaging in communicative sounds with counterparts still inside. This continued interaction on Saturday was viewed as promising, police noted.

Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, expressed commitment to the ongoing search for the escapees, noting efforts may continue throughout the weekend or longer if necessary.

He explained to CBS News that the oversight by a caretaker who didn't fully secure an enclosure door led to the escape, enabling the primates to wander.

"It's a bit like playing follow-the-leader," Westergaard remarked. "Once one ventured out, the others followed. Out of a group of 50, 7 remained while 43 made their exit."

Westergaard realized the recovery could take extended time, noting that pursuing the monkeys might agitate them and cause further dispersal.

"We have them nearby, which is the scenario we're aiming for," he mentioned to CBS News.

These monkeys weigh roughly 7 pounds and are the size of a small cat, all being female.

All agencies involved, including Alpha Genesis, public health authorities, and police, confirmed that the monkeys don't pose a public health threat. The facility's purpose is breeding monkeys for research distribution.

Alpha Genesis, located about 50 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, supplies primates globally for research as stated on their website.