In the American state of South Carolina, there was a mass escape of about 40 monkeys from the Alpha Genesis research center, pravilamag.ru reports with reference to NBC News.

Alpha Genesis is a large research complex that contains an impressive population of primates – about 3500 individuals, mainly macaques and capuchins. The center specializes in clinical trials, including research in the field of neurology. Information about what specific experiments the escaped animals participated in and whether they have any diseases has not yet been disclosed.

Law enforcement agencies have launched a large-scale search operation. To find the fugitives, they are using video surveillance footage, and special traps have been set up around the area. Local residents are strongly advised to take precautions: keep windows and doors closed to prevent animals from entering residential premises and avoid any contact with primates. If escapees are found, citizens are asked to immediately call 911.

It is noteworthy that the Alpha Genesis center, located on Morgan Island, unofficially known as «monkey island», has already encountered similar incidents. Thus, in 2016, 19 primates escaped, and it took six hours to catch them.