25 Escaped Monkeys of 43 Are Captured in South Carolina

Charleston, SC – Authorities in South Carolina are working tirelessly to recapture 18 monkeys still on the loose after 25 were captured following their escape from a nearby research facility. The animals, part of a colony of 43 cynomolgus macaques, escaped their enclosure at the Covance Laboratories facility near Charleston on Monday.

The initial escape caused concern amongst residents, prompting a search and rescue operation involving local authorities, animal control, and experts.  The captured monkeys are now being held in a secure location while experts assess their health and wellbeing.

“Our top priority is the safety of both the public and the animals,” said Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano. “We are grateful to the dedicated efforts of our teams and the community for their cooperation in this operation.”

The remaining 18 monkeys are believed to be roaming within a restricted area near the facility. While these macaques are typically non-aggressive, the public is urged to exercise caution and report any sightings to local authorities.

The incident has raised questions about the security measures at the research facility. Covance Laboratories has issued a statement expressing their commitment to animal welfare and vowing to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the escape.

The capture of 25 monkeys provides a glimmer of hope for a successful conclusion to this unusual incident.  However, the search for the remaining 18 continues, highlighting the importance of collaboration between authorities and the community to ensure the safe return of all escaped animals.