Beaufort County Research Center, SC Officials Track 43 Missing Monkeys

Marmosets Escaped Enclosure

Forty-three marmosets are missing after escaping from an enclosure at a research center in Beaufort County, South Carolina, officials said.

The monkeys escaped Saturday from the National Institute of Health’s primate research center on Harbor River Road on St. Helena Island.

Small, Agile, Difficult to Catch

Marmosets are small, agile monkeys that are native to the rainforests of South America. They weigh less than a pound and are only about 10 inches long.

That makes them difficult to catch, and officials say they are likely still hiding in the wooded area surrounding the research center.

Public Advised to be Cautious

Officials are advising the public to be cautious if they see any marmosets in the area.

While the monkeys are not considered dangerous, they are wild animals and could bite if they feel threatened.

If You See a Monkey

If you see a marmoset, officials say you should not approach it.

Instead, you should call 911 or the Beaufort County Animal Control at (843) 255-6126.