The city manager of Yemassee informs about 43 monkeys that escaped from the research center

YEMASSEE, SC (WCIV) – Yemassee City Manager Matthew Garnes provided additional information Thursday after more than 40 primates escaped from a research center Wednesday.

Garnes said they don’t believe the monkeys have come far or will go far after escaping the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center. A total of 43 monkeys were missing from the facility, he said.

Alpha Genesis told city officials that the monkeys were safe and disease-free, but the public was still warned to stay away from them, Garnes said.

As of Thursday, none of the monkeys had been recovered and Garnes said there was no timetable for capturing all of the monkeys.

READ MORE | “Officials working to locate escaped primates in Yemassee: BCSO”

According to Garnes, all of the missing monkeys are female and weigh no more than 6 pounds.

The monkeys escaped after a new employee left a door open, he said.

Police say traps have been set in the area and residents are urged to secure doors and windows to keep the animals out.