• All 43 escaped rhesus macaques have been recaptured in South Carolina.
• The last four monkeys were found after two months of living in the woods.
• The initial escape occurred due to a worker failing to secure their enclosure.
• The monkeys were lured back with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
• Authorities confirmed the monkeys posed no health risk to the public.

In a tale reminiscent of a cinematic adventure, the final four of 43 escaped rhesus macaques have been safely captured in South Carolina, ending a months-long search that captivated both local residents and the media. According to the Associated Press, the monkeys, all female, fled the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center after a caretaker unintentionally left their enclosure unsecured. This incident took place on November 6, 2024, initiating a chase that extended over two months, culminating in the recent announcement by the Yemassee Police Department.

During their time on the run, the animals weathered adverse conditions, including a rare snowstorm that brought several inches of snow to the area, marking the first snowfall in seven years. The capture efforts intensified after it was established that the monkeys remained mostly in proximity to the facility, where they were often spotted. Despite the challenges, Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard expressed relief, confirming the monkeys were in good health upon recapture.

Authorities utilized various humane traps and baited them with food including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to ensure the animals would return safely. Police had previously urged residents not to approach the monkeys, advising them to keep windows and doors secured to prevent further escapes. Local police had also employed thermal imaging technologies to monitor the whereabouts of the remaining primates.

Westergaard praised the community for their support throughout this extensive retrieval operation, stating, "It was a real team and community effort." The facility where these monkeys originated breeds them primarily for biomedical research and is one of the largest such establishments in the country, adept at handling various nonhuman primates for scientific purposes, as reported by HuffPost.

The entire journey of these monkeys showcases the intricacies involved in animal research and the care taken to manage escape instances, which have happened at the facility before, underscoring the need for stringent security protocols.

For more details, check the complete reports from The New York Times, CNN, USA Today, and Independent.