In a surprising and chaotic turn of events, 43 monkeys have escaped from a high-security medical laboratory in South Carolina. The primates, used for medical research, managed to find their way out of their enclosures, causing a statewide alert as authorities scrambled to regain control.
Breakout Raises Security Concerns
The incident took place early Monday morning when a staff member noticed the monkeys had escaped their cages during a routine check. Preliminary investigations suggest a potential malfunction in the lab’s security system, allowing the primates to push open an unlocked door.
Witnesses Shocked by Unusual Sight
Residents in the surrounding area were startled to see monkeys roaming the streets, climbing trees, and even entering backyards. “I thought I was seeing things when a monkey ran across my front lawn,” said local resident, Linda Hayes, who called 911 in disbelief.
Authorities Mobilize to Contain the Escapees
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources quickly mobilized a task force, including animal control officers, police, and wildlife experts, to capture the escaped monkeys. Officials warned residents to stay indoors, avoid contact with the primates, and report any sightings immediately.
Concerns Over Potential Health Risks
The escaped monkeys are part of a research program studying infectious diseases, raising concerns about potential health risks. “While we have no immediate evidence of danger, we urge caution,” said Dr. Evan Moore, the head of the lab, emphasizing the need for safe and swift recapture.
Social Media Buzzes with Monkey Sightings
As the situation unfolded, social media was flooded with videos and photos of the escaped monkeys, causing a mixture of panic and amusement. Hashtags like #MonkeyMayhem and #PrimateEscape began trending, with users sharing their unexpected encounters with the primates.
Lab Under Scrutiny for Safety Protocols
The lab, which specializes in infectious disease research, is now facing scrutiny for its handling of the situation and overall safety measures. Animal rights groups have also chimed in, questioning the lab’s treatment of the monkeys and calling for an investigation into the conditions leading up to the escape.
Several Monkeys Captured, Others Still at Large
By late afternoon, officials confirmed they had captured 15 of the 43 escapees, using tranquilizer darts and traps baited with fruit. However, the remaining monkeys are still on the loose, and efforts to recapture them continue through the night with teams combing nearby wooded areas.
Residents Urged to Exercise Caution
Local authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from attempting to capture the monkeys on their own. “These are not pets; they can be aggressive if threatened,” warned Officer Mark Reynolds, highlighting the need for professional intervention in capturing the animals.
Search Efforts Continue as Community Waits for Updates
As search efforts continue, the community remains on edge, eagerly awaiting updates on the status of the remaining primates. The lab has promised a thorough investigation into how such a large-scale escape could have occurred, with assurances that measures will be taken to prevent future incidents.
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