Monkeys of the rhesus macaque species are bred at the facility in Yemassee to be sold as test animals for medical research and behavioral studies. The 43 that escaped, all females and approximately three kilos in weight, saw an poorly locked door as an opportunity about a week ago, when a keeper had been negligent.
Rhesus macaques are one of the most studied animal species in the world, for over a hundred years. They are socially intelligent animals with many similarities to humans in terms of genes and organ systems and behaviors.
Striking similarities
There are some striking similarities when it comes to social intelligence, says Dario Maestripieri, professor at the University of Chicago and author of a book about rhesus macaques.
They are focused on family and stick together with relatives if there is trouble. But they can also recruit others if needed. They are political animals.
A large part of their day is spent building political alliances with each other. It may sound familiar? says Professor Maestripieri.
Criticism from animal rights organizations has highlighted examples such as research on organ transplants, vaccines, and behaviors when mothers and small children are separated. The research camp points to the great significance in research on aids, covid, and polio.
To be caught
The breeder, the company Alpha Genesis, says that the remaining escapees will be caught. They are not dangerous to the public. Those that have been caught after the escape have been examined and their health and condition were good.
In the wild, rhesus macaques are found in a large area, in Asia, from Afghanistan, India, and Vietnam to China. In India, they have been the subject of a reality TV show.
