MORNING HEADLINES | Federal regulators concluded in December that a Yemassee monkey research facility apparently failed to follow animal welfare guidelines after 22 monkeys died on a cold November evening, just weeks after 43 monkeys escaped.
A December inspection report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) listed a “critical” violation at Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center after necropsies performed on 22 deceased primates showed the deaths were consistent with exposure to carbon monoxide gas.
“We have never had this issue before,” Greg Westergaard, president and CEO of Alpha Genesis, said, according to a WCSC-TV report. “At this point, we’re just trying to understand what happened to come up with a logical explanation with how this occurred. The heater has been tested and retested, and it’s in perfect working order.”
Alpha Genesis was thrust into the national spotlight last year as 43 rhesus macaque monkeys escaped the facility on Nov. 6. Officials confirmed they recaptured the last of the 43 on Jan. 24.
Reports about the 22 deaths came just weeks after the news of the escape when whistleblowers notified PETA, which filed a formal complaint with federal regulators. The USDA at the time said it was reviewing the claims, but would not release any information about the incident.
Westergaard confirmed deaths at the facility in a December email to the media, though he declined to reveal how many animals died. According to reports, a total of 54 long-tailed macaques were impacted by the late November event. Regulators credited staff with helping 32 primates survive.
In other recent headlines:
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Charleston CVS on King Street shutters unexpectedly. CVS’s longstanding store at 1015 King St. will permanently close Feb. 4 as the company continues its target to close nearly 900 underperforming locations across the U.S. over three years.
Treasury chief from Charleston snags $12.5M DC home. The Wall Street Journal reported last week that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent apparently has snapped up another historically significant residence closer to the office.
The way that hurricanes kill is changing. A close analysis of Helene’s fatalities shows how major storms are taking lives in unexpected ways, and how long the deadly effects can last.
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HELP WANTED: ISO great Valentine’s stories. Hey Charleston lovebirds — is there a bar or restaurant in town that played a pivotal role in your romance? Or perhaps a dish or drink that you celebrate with every year?
We want to hear all about it! Send the details to connelly@charlestoncitypaper.com to be featured in our coming Valentine’s Day issue.
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