Escaped Monkeys Spotted in South Carolina, Prompting Alert to Research Facility

Primates Believed to be Macaques; No Danger to Public

A survey worker in South Carolina reported seeing several escaped monkeys in the wild, prompting an alert to a nearby research facility. The worker spotted the animals in a wooded area near Beaufort, South Carolina, on Tuesday, August 9th, 2023.

The monkeys are believed to be rhesus macaques, a species commonly used in laboratory research. They are native to Asia but have been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States.

The research facility, the National Institute of Health's (NIH) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), said in a statement that it is "aware of the situation and is taking steps to retrieve the animals." The facility said that the monkeys do not pose a danger to the public but advised people to stay away from them.

Monkeys Escaped from Facility in May

This is not the first time that monkeys have escaped from the NIEHS facility. In May 2023, six monkeys escaped from the facility and were at large for several days before being recaptured.

The NIEHS is investigating how the monkeys escaped and is taking steps to prevent future escapes. The facility said that it is committed to the safety and well-being of its animals and the community.

Rhesus Macaques Used in Research

Rhesus macaques are one of the most commonly used primates in laboratory research. They are used to study a wide range of topics, including behavior, neuroscience, and infectious diseases.

The use of monkeys in research has been controversial, with some animal rights groups arguing that it is cruel and unnecessary. However, the NIH and other research institutions argue that animal research is essential for the development of new treatments and cures for human diseases.