UPDATED, 7:45 a.m., 11/10/24 | Forty-two rhesus macaque primates remained at large late Saturday near the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee, but one of the 43 that escaped Wednesday returned safely , according to reports.
While the monkey who is back at the facility was lured into a trap with apples, the remaining monkeys are nearby, reportedly jumping over a fence to snag food before leaving again, officials said.
The story has made headlines across the globe. Yemassee straddles Hampton and Beaufort counties about 60 miles west of Charleston.
The herd at the lab consists completely of young females weighing around 6 or 7 pounds each, according to Alpha Genesis. None of the animals have been used in testing and are “too young” to carry disease, officials reported.
The lab is working with Yemassee police, but is taking the lead, said Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander. The company is setting up traps and using thermal imaging cameras to recapture the monkeys on the run.
“It really is just waiting and it’s frustrating because we would like to have them back sooner or later,” said Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard. “You can’t chase them because they scatter. In this form, they should stay in the same area and we should see some come on back.”
Police and deputies are asking people to stay clear of the area of the Castle Hall Road facility because the monkeys are skittish and any additional noise or movement could prevent them from being recaptured. Anyone who comes across a missing monkey is advised to call 911.
In City Paper news on Friday:
CP FOCUS: Meet the winners of the City Paper Music Awards. CP readers voted for their favorite artists across genres including country, reggae, hip-hop, indie, metal and more. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, nominees and winners alike rocked the stage at the Best Dance Club in Charleston, the Commodore, for this year’s awards show.
CP CARTOON:
CP OPINION, DIGS: Reale: A short guide to starting a crystal collection
“As a trained geologist with a master’s degree, I have found it very hard to buy into the healing properties of crystals. My science mind just isn’t wired like that. What I do know from experience is that when you hold an intention and use something to symbolize that intention, things do happen. When you tie your mind to a desired outcome, there’s an energy exchange that opens you up to possibilities.”
CP FOOD: An ordering guide for Thanksgiving in Charleston. Thanksgiving is less than three weeks away and area restaurants are offering a variety of to-go options. Whether you’re the host with the most or the best darn dining guest anyone’s ever met, these easy-peasy options will make this holiday season a breeze.
CP ART: Charleston Museum exhibit offers a ‘complete story’. The Charleston Museum unveiled on Oct. 25 its new permanent exhibition, “Beyond the Ashes: The Lowcountry’s New Beginnings.” The exhibit covers pivotal events in Charleston’s history from the wake of the Civil War to the 21st century, picking up where the exhibitions had previously left off.
In other recent headlines:
Record number of South Carolinians voted in the election. The State Election Commission estimates 2,557,000 voters participated in the election, about 24,000 more voters than the presidential election four years ago.
Charleston County leaders vote on greenbelt projects. Charleston County’s finance committee met on Thursday night and voted on 18 greenbelt projects. All but one were approved.
Charleston Co. residents make voices heard on half-cent tax vote. After months of ‘Vote Yes’ and ‘Vote No’ throughout Charleston County, residents overwhelmingly voted against passing a third transportation sales tax with about 60% voting no.
Trident Health approved for conceptual designs of new Johns Island facility. The City of Charleston’s Design Review Board (DRB) approved of the preliminary, conceptual designs for Trident Health’s latest project: Johns Island Emergency, a freestanding emergency facility.
Charleston Santa returns this holiday season. The Best Friend Train Museum, located between the Charleston Visitor Center and the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, will host The Charleston Santa every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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