YEMASSEE, S.C. — Authorities in South Carolina mentioned Friday the final 4 of 43 escaped monkeys have been recaptured after two months dwelling within the woods, weathering a uncommon snowstorm and being tempted again into captivity by peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
The rhesus macaque monkeys, all females, made a break for it after police say an worker didn’t totally lock their enclosure at Alpha Genesis, a facility that breeds them for medical analysis — identified to locals as “the monkey farm.”
The recaptured monkeys seemed to be in good well being, Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard mentioned in an announcement relayed by Yemassee police in a social media publish, with out additional particulars.
Whereas they have been on the free, the realm noticed its first snow in seven years, accumulating as much as 3 inches.
The rhesus macaques made a break for it on Nov. 6, and principally hung round close to the power. They’re in regards to the measurement of a cat, weighing roughly 7 kilos.
It seems a employee unintentionally left the gates unlocked when the monkeys escaped, Westergaard mentioned in November. Staff have been purported to lock and latch one gate earlier than opening one other, however all three gates and latches have been left unsecure.
The monkeys posed no threat to public well being, mentioned Alpha Genesis, federal well being officers and police.
Alpha Guard staff saved a watch on the monkeys and set out humane traps. Most have been lured again with meals and got peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and “monkey biscuits.”