40 primates escape South Carolina research center, police say

YEMASSEE, S.C. (WSAV) – Police in South Carolina were asking for the public's help in locating 40 primates that escaped from a research facility on Wednesday.

The animals escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, according to the Yemassee Police Department.

Officials cautioned the public against trying to interact with the primates, if spotted.

"If you see any of them, please DO NOT approach or attempt to interact with them; instead, contact 911 immediately!" police instructed.

Residents were "strongly advised" to keep the doors and windows of their homes secured to prevent the animals from entering.

Yemassee police set up traps in the area and were using thermal-imaging cameras in their search.

"The Yemassee Police Department has multiple officers collaborating with Alpha Genesis personnel to resolve this situation," police said.

It's not the first time primates have escaped in the area. Nexstar's WSAV reported on a group of monkeys that escaped in May 2016. According to the report, the monkeys were among thousands bred on Morgan Island, South Carolina, and used by facilities like Alpha Genesis "to test potentially life-saving medical procedures."

Alpha Genesis Inc. provides nonhuman primate products and bio-research services worldwide, according to their website. This includes serum, plasma, whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and tissue samples.