In Yemassee, South Carolina, 43 rhesus macaque monkeys escaped from the Alpha Genesis biomedical research facility, prompting local authorities to advise residents to secure their homes and report sightings.

The monkeys, described as 'skittish' young females weighing up to seven pounds, escaped due to an unsecured enclosure door.

Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard expressed frustration over the incident, hoping the primates would return voluntarily.

The police assured the public that the monkeys, not yet used for testing, are too young to carry disease.

Search teams are actively seeking the primates, trying to lure them with food.