In a bizarre twist of events, one of the 43 Rhesus macaques that escaped from a South Carolina medical research facility has been safely recovered, while the fate of 42 others remains uncertain. This unusual incident occurred at the Alpha Genesis compound in Yemassee, where a door was inadvertently left unlocked during feeding, allowing the curious primates to make their daring escape.

Since the escape on Wednesday, the remaining monkeys have been spotted lingering just outside the facility's fence, playfully interacting with their friends still inside. Police reported that these mischievous monkeys were seen leaping back and forth over the compound’s boundaries, creating a spectacle that has garnered both concern and fascination.

Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard has assured the public that recovery efforts are ongoing, stating, "We are committed to bringing all our monkeys back safely, and we won’t stop until we have them all.” The facility has been known for breeding Rhesus macaques for medical research purposes, supplying them to scientists around the globe.

Fortunately, both local officials and federal health authorities have declared that the escaped monkeys do not pose a risk to public health. Each macaque weighs approximately seven pounds and is about the size of a domestic cat, making them easily manageable compared to larger wildlife.

As recovery efforts continue over the weekend, the local community is keeping a close eye on the situation. This incident raises awareness about animal escapes and their implications, prompting a discussion regarding better safety protocols at research facilities.

Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story and to find out what happens next in this thrilling chase of the "Missing Monkeys of South Carolina!"