Beaufort, South Carolina, October 3, 2025
News Summary
In a surprising incident, 43 female rhesus monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina, due to a caretaker’s error. This escape has raised significant concerns about animal welfare and facility management practices. Fortunately, all monkeys were recaptured and reported to be in good health. The event has led to calls for stricter oversight and raised questions about previous incidents at the research center.
Beaufort, South Carolina – A total of 43 female rhesus monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina, in November 2024. The incident occurred due to a caretaker failing to secure a door, leading to widespread concern and national media attention. All escaped monkeys were recaptured by January 2025 and were reported to be in good health.
The incident has sparked criticism of Alpha Genesis, particularly from State Representative Nancy Mace, who highlighted animal welfare law violations and called for enhanced federal oversight of the facility. The escape raised questions about the practices in place at the research center, which has faced similar issues in the past, including two notable escape events in 2014 and 2016.
About Morgan Island
Home to over 3,000 rhesus monkeys, Morgan Island spans more than 2,000 acres and is located in the St. Helena Sound off the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina. The area is owned by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and managed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The origins of the monkey population date back to 1979, when 1,400 rhesus monkeys were relocated from La Parguera, Puerto Rico, due to India banning the export of viable research animals.
The public is currently prohibited from setting foot on Monkey Island, as these restrictions are in place to avoid disturbances to the monkey population and to mitigate health risks associated with diseases. Surveillance systems, including cameras, monitor the island to prevent unauthorized access, but people can observe the monkeys only by boat. Boating is encouraged from nearby Edisto Island for safer access to the area.
Public Health Considerations
During the escape incident, it was confirmed that the escaped monkeys were young and had not been used in any testing, which meant they did not pose a public health risk. However, the event brought to light the ongoing concerns regarding the safety and management practices within the research facility.
In conclusion, the incident involving the escape of the rhesus monkeys not only resulted in the capture of the animals but also ignited discussions on animal welfare and the operational oversight of research facilities like Alpha Genesis. Moving forward, the incident may lead to stricter regulations and better enforcement of existing laws regarding animal research and care.
FAQ
What happened with the monkeys in South Carolina?
In November 2024, 43 female rhesus monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina, when a caretaker failed to secure a door. All escaped monkeys were recaptured by January 2025 and were reported to be in good health.
Who manages the monkey population on Morgan Island?
The monkey colony is managed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
When was the monkey population on Morgan Island established?
The origins of the monkey population on Morgan Island date back to 1979 when 1,400 rhesus monkeys were relocated there from La Parguera, Puerto Rico, due to India banning the export of viable research animals.
Are there any public access restrictions on Monkey Island?
The public is prohibited from setting foot on Monkey Island due to potential disturbances to the monkey population and health risks of diseases. People can observe the monkeys only by boat; boating is encouraged from nearby Edisto Island for safer access.
Has Alpha Genesis faced previous escape incidents?
Alpha Genesis has faced previous escapes, with two notable incidents occurring in 2014 and 2016.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident | Escape of 43 female rhesus monkeys from Alpha Genesis Research Center |
| Date of Escape | November 2024 |
| Date of Recapture | January 2025 |
| Population | Over 3,000 rhesus monkeys on Morgan Island |
| Location | Morgan Island, St. Helena Sound, South Carolina |
| Managing Authority | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases |
| Public Access | Prohibited; observation only by boat |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dusky Shark Sighting Raises Conservation Concerns in Beaufort County
South Carolina Primates Escape Incident Update
Rhesus Macaque Escape from South Carolina Research Center
Concerns Rise Over Morgan Island’s Rhesus Monkey Colony
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: South Carolina Monkey Island
- Travel + Leisure: Morgan Island Monkeys
- Post and Courier: Morgan Island Research Monkeys
- Smithsonian Magazine: Monkeys Escape Research Facility
- CBS News: Animal Medical Research Patients
- Wikipedia: Morgan Island
- Google Search: South Carolina Monkey Island
- Google Scholar: Monkey Research Facilities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Primate Research
- Google News: Monkeys Escape South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
