(WCIV) — Yemassee Town AdministratorMatthew Garnes provided additional information Thursday after more than 40 primates escaped from a research center Wednesday. Garnes said they don’t believe the monkeys have gone far or will go very far after escaping from Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center. 43 monkeys in total are missing from the facility, he said. Alpha Genesis told town officials the monkeys are not dangerous and are disease-free, but the public is still warned to stay away from them, according to Garnes. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s office said the monkeys are rhesus macaques. As of Thursday, none of the monkeys had been recovered and Garnes said there is no timetable for a capture of all of them. All the missing monkeys are female and weigh no more than 6 pounds, according to Garnes. The monkeys escaped after a new employee left a door open, he said. Law enforcement said traps have been set up in the area, and residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows secured to keep the animals out. Rep. Nancy Mace spoke of the incident on social media and said she would be withholding any formal statement until she has a complete understanding of the facts.   🧵 1/3 We’re diligently gathering all relevant information to keep our constituents informed regarding the recent escape of primates from Alpha Genesis Inc. in Beaufort County. — Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) November 7, 2024 Categories: News, State Tags: South Carolina