Over 40 primates escape the research center in Beaufort County

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office needs help finding 43 rhesus macaque primates that escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center on Wednesday.

According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, they are working with Yemassee police, Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center staff and state agriculture and wildlife agencies to locate these primates.

As of about 10 a.m. Thursday, none of the primates had been caught.

Yemassee police say they have set up traps in the area and are using thermal imaging cameras to locate the primates.

Yemassee police are advising all residents to keep doors and windows closed to prevent primates from entering homes.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating these primates and returning them safely to their enclosures.

If you encounter any of the animals, call 911 immediately and do not attempt to interact with them.

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