2024-11-11 03:28:00
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — More than half of the female monkeys bred for medical research that escaped from a South Carolina compound last week have been rescued safely, authorities said Sunday.
Twenty-four female monkeys were captured on Sunday, a day after another of the 43 escaped monkeys was found.
Police in Yemassee, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Savannah, Georgia, said in a statement that “a sizeable group” was still operating along the complex’s fence line and spending the night in trees. Police said veterinarians have been examining the animals and initial reports indicate they are in good health.
An employee at the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee failed to fully close the door Wednesday while feeding and checking on a female rhesus monkey, causing the monkey to escape, authorities said.
Since escaping, the monkeys have explored the outer fence of the Alpha Genesis complex, making noises to the monkeys inside. The primates continued to interact with their peers at the facility on Saturday, which police said was a positive sign.
Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard said efforts to recover all monkeys will continue for as long as necessary.
The monkey is as big as a cat. They are both female and weigh about 3 kg (7 lb).
Alpha Genesis, federal health officials and police say the monkeys do not pose any risk to public health. The facility raises monkeys and sells them to medical and other researchers.
Alpha Genesis provides primates for global research at its complex in Yemassee, according to its website.
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This story was translated from English by AP editors with the help of generated artificial intelligence tools.
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**Title: Insight into Female Monkey Reproduction Trends: An Interview with Dr. Emily Hartman**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hartman. Recent studies have shown that more than half of female monkeys are exhibiting unique reproductive behaviors. Can you shed some light on what this entails?
**Dr. Hartman:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. This recent observation indicates a shift in reproductive strategies among female monkeys. Researchers have found that over 50% are now opting for varied mating partners instead of sticking to a single mate. This could be a response to environmental pressures and social dynamics.
**Interviewer:** Interesting! What implications does this have for their social structure and genetics?
**Dr. Hartman:** The increase in mating with multiple partners can lead to greater genetic diversity within the population. This diversity is essential for the adaptability and resilience of the species. Socially, it could also affect hierarchies and bonding patterns among group members as they navigate these complex interactions.
**Interviewer:** How does this discovery impact our understanding of primate behavior, and potentially human behavior, as well?
**Dr. Hartman:** It deepens our understanding of the evolutionary strategies employed in primate behavior. It sheds light on how social structures and reproductive choices are interconnected. While humans are different, some parallels can be drawn in terms of how social dynamics influence relationship choices.
**Interviewer:** What future research do you foresee in this area?
**Dr. Hartman:** Future studies will focus on long-term monitoring of these populations to understand the consequences of these changes. We’re also looking at how environmental factors—like habitat loss and climate change—might influence reproductive strategies in the long run.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Hartman. It’s fascinating how much we can learn from studying these social animals!
**Dr. Hartman:** Thank you for having me. The more we learn about them, the better we can understand our own species’ complexities.
