**Monkeys Escape Research Facility in South Carolina; One Recovered**

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - In an unexpected turn of events, 43 monkeys bred for medical research have escaped from a facility in South Carolina. Authorities reported on Saturday that one of the escaped monkeys has been safely recovered.

The Rhesus macaques managed their escape on Wednesday after an employee at the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee failed to properly secure a door while feeding and checking on them. Subsequent to their breakout, many of the primates have been seen jumping back and forth over the facility's fence, congregating just a few yards from the property.

As of Friday, the monkeys were observed exploring the outer fence of the compound and engaging with the monkeys still inside. The ongoing interaction is being viewed as a positive sign by the police. The monkeys, all females weighing about 7 pounds each, are roughly the size of a cat.

Greg Westergaard, CEO of Alpha Genesis, assured that efforts to recover all the escaped animals will continue over the weekend and will persist for as long as necessary. Both Alpha Genesis officials and local authorities have indicated that the escaped monkeys pose no threat to public health.

Alpha Genesis, which is located about 50 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia, is known for breeding primates for medical and other types of research on a global scale.