A lab in Yemassee, South Carolina discovered more than 20 of the 43 monkeys that escaped there on Wednesday. The animals were captured and unharmed.
On Sunday, Yemassi police reported that they had captured 24 king macaques. Earlier on Saturday, it was reported that an animal of this species was caught. In the wooded area around the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center, 18 of the 43 escaped monkeys still remain in the wild.
King macaque monkeys are bred in the laboratory for medical research. Their size is equal to a cat, and their weight is about three kilograms. They managed to escape on Wednesday because an employee of the center did not close the door properly while feeding them.
The search continues
Since the escape, the monkeys have explored the outer walls of the facility and interacted with the monkeys remaining inside. After being captured, veterinarians tested the monkeys and initial reports indicate they are in good health, the Associated Press reported.
Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard said efforts to rehabilitate all the monkeys will continue for as long as necessary.
Center officials, US health officials and police say the monkeys do not pose a threat to public health. Alpha Genesis provides them for research in laboratories around the world.
Monkey King – stock photo Shutterstock
Main image source: Shutterstock
