The CDC emphasized that while the risk to the public is low, people should avoid direct contact with the monkeys.
History of Safety Violations
Alpha Genesis has previously faced scrutiny over its handling of “nonhuman primates”.
A 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) identified eight violations, including housing and veterinary issues.
During this period, six monkeys were found in incorrect enclosures, leading to the death of one animal and injuries to others. Following these incidents, Alpha Genesis reportedly reinforced the chain link and replaced certain enclosures.
The facility, which houses over 6,700 monkeys, most recently passed a USDA inspection in May 2024 without any violations. However, given the latest escape, questions regarding Alpha Genesis’s containment protocols are likely to resurface.
As the search for the escaped monkeys continues, Alpha Genesis and local authorities are working to ensure the safety of both the public and the primates.
The facility’s history of escape incidents and its federal role in overseeing large primate colonies underscore the need for strict safety measures.
