Another 24 monkeys, believed to be among 43 that escaped from a South Carolina research facility last week, have been recovered and eyes are on a “significant group” nearby, police said Sunday.
Sunday’s capture comes a day after the discovery of one of the rhesus monkeys that escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in the city of Yemassee, South Carolina.
Veterinarians examined the 25 and concluded they were unharmed, Yemassee police said in its latest statement.
“Initial reports from the veterinary team indicate that all recovered animals are in good health,” the department said.
At least some of the remaining 18 refugees were believed to be along a fence surrounding the facility, police said. The primates in that group have “snuggled up in the trees for the night,” police said.
Police cited Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, for confirming the recovery of the 24 on Sunday.
“The Alpha Genesis team is continuing its efforts and will continue until all animals are safely recovered,” police said.
Authorities urged residents near the facility to keep windows and doors secured as the search for the remaining primates remained active.
Police also asked the public to avoid using drones in the area and stay away from the area. Anyone who sees an escaped monkey should call 911, it says.
“We thank the public for their cooperation,” police said.
The lab’s own team continued its efforts to recover the remaining primates, police said, and will continue to do so until they are captured.
On Friday, Westergaard blamed “human error” for Wednesday’s overnight escape, saying a caretaker failed to lock two doors of a new enclosure during feeding and cleaning.
Alpha Genesis provides “non-human primate products and bioresearch services,” according to its website. The company has used macaques to support research into treatments for brain diseases under a contract with a pharmaceutical company, Westergaard said.
Police have described the escapees as very young women weighing only 6 to 7 pounds, who had not yet been used in investigations.
Yemassee is located about 60 miles west of Charleston.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
