Thirteen research monkeys were at large Monday after five of the 43 that escaped from a South Carolina research lab last week were captured unharmed, authorities said.
Monday’s discoveries – first three, then two more – mean that thirteen of the rhesus monkeys remain outside the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in the city of Yemassee.
In a statement, Yemassee police cited Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard for news of the day’s discoveries. “More primates have been successfully recovered today and all appear to be in good health,” police said.
According to police, 25 of the escaped monkeys were safely captured last weekend.
A group of monkeys had gathered along the facility’s perimeter fence, where many had gone to bed at night to sleep, police said Sunday.
Police in the city, about 60 miles west of Charleston, have urged neighbors to be vigilant and keep doors and windows closed and secured.
“Efforts to safely capture the remaining primates will continue throughout the evening and for as long as necessary,” they said on Monday.
They added: “We cannot stress enough how important it is that the public avoids the area, and under no circumstances should drones be deployed near the facility as they could frighten the animals and cause further stress. ”
Westergaard said a caregiver failed to lock two doors of a new enclosure during feeding and cleaning, leading to Wednesday’s escape.
Alpha Genesis provides “non-human primate products and bioresearch services,” according to its website. Westergaard has said it has used a macaque to support research into treatments for brain diseases.
Last week’s refugees were described as very young female rhesus monkeys that weighed only 6 to 7 pounds and had not been exposed to research until now.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
