The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it is looking into new “detailed allegations” against Alpha Genesis, the primate research facility where 43 rhesus macaque monkeys escaped earlier this month in Yemassee.
“We are reviewing them to determine whether there are Animal Welfare non compliances we need to follow up on,” Richard Bell, a spokesperson for animal care at the USDA, said.
The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, also known as PETA, filed a complaint with the federal agency Monday claiming 18 endangered long tailed macaque monkeys died Friday night following an incident involving a diesel heater.
PETA cites “multiple whistleblower reports” in its complaint but does not provide further details about those who reportedly came forward or about the alleged incident. Again, these are allegations. Temperatures in Yemassee did drop into the low 40s Friday night.
Alpha Genesis has not responded to requests for comment on the latest allegations. It also has not answered repeated emails regarding the escape of dozens of monkeys on Nov. 6.
Four of the escaped monkeys are still loose. The other 39 have since been recaptured. Alpha Genesis said, through police, the monkeys disappeared into nearby woods after an employee failed to fully shut and enclosure.
This is not the first time allegations involving the welfare of animals have been made against Alpha Genesis. The USDA fined the company in 2018 after finding issues with housing and handling dating back to 2014. The federal agency issued another warning in 2022 for similar violations.
Alpha Genesis breeds and sells monkeys for research worldwide. The agency acquires millions in federal contracts, as it houses some 10, 000 monkeys at its two facilities in Yemassee and Early Branch, as well as Morgan Island.
