43 laboratory monkeys escape from the US

Forty-three monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis Inc. (AGI) research center in South Carolina, United States. Local authorities told the population that They pose almost no danger.

The first testimonies collected by the Associated Press agency indicate that primates of the macaque species Rhesus They fled after the laboratory doctor left the door of the cabin where they were open.

They are not infected with any disease, they are harmless and a little scarysaid Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander.

The monkey escape occurred on Wednesday at a facility located 1.6 kilometers from Yamassee. To capture them, Alpha Genesis installed traps and uses thermal imaging cameras to locate them. However, so far none have been recovered.

The trainers know them well and can usually get them to come back by offering them fruit or a small treat.Alexander indicated.

The authorities recommended that the population living near the laboratory close windows and doors. so that the monkeys have nowhere to hide. In addition, they asked citizens to report it to 911 if they see any specimens so that police personnel can capture them.

Valuable for biomedical research

Alpha Genesis is a research and biotechnology organization, specialized in the breeding, management and study of non-human primates, mainly macaques. Rhesus y Cynomolgus.

Because monkeys are genetically and physiologically similar to humans, they are considered valuable for biomedical research, primarily in studies on infectious diseases, neuroscience, vaccine development, and other topics related to human health.

According to its official website, it is the leading global provider of the best primate-related products and services, keeping our principles unwavering as we grow.

So far, the company has not responded to an email asking about Wednesday’s leak. However, Ap confirmed that this is not the first time that monkeys have escaped.

In 2018, the federal authorities of that country imposed a fine of $12,600 on this laboratory due to the escape of dozens of primates, in addition to incidents in which some animals were left without access to water and problems were identified in the conditions. accommodation.

Previously, authorities said 26 primates escaped from the Yemassee facility in 2014, and another 19 escaped in 2016.

In this context, the group Stop Animal Exploitation Now, which defends animal rights and is against animal experimentation, asked the United States Department of Agriculture in 2018 to investigate the company and treat them as repeat offenders.

The clear carelessness that allowed these 40 monkeys to escape endangered not only the safety of the animals, but also the residents of Southern California.Michael Budkie, executive director of the animal rights group, said in a letter.