A recent report reveals that at least 82 monkeys were injured or died due to poor care and negligence at a South Carolina animal testing facility, just six weeks after 43 monkeys escaped from the same lab.
Documents shared with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals PETA show that between 2021 and 2023, several monkeys at two Alpha Genesis Incorporated AGI locations in South Carolina suffered preventable injuries and deaths. A whistleblower veterinarian provided evidence, including emails, reports, and disturbing photos, accusing AGI of using unsafe equipment, offering inadequate care, and neglecting the animals’ well-being.
PETA has also filed a 270-page complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), claiming that AGI’s staff is unqualified to care for the animals. The USDA is currently investigating the allegations.
One example from the complaint describes a young macaque monkey that was found dead in December 2022, with its arm stuck in a fence in front of a heater. The cause of death was listed as dehydration and entrapment, and the monkey had not been checked on since the previous afternoon.
Another tragic incident occurred in May 2021, when an infant monkey accidentally strangled itself with a piece of gauze used to secure a water bottle to its crate. The facility reportedly used the gauze because the proper clips for the water bottles didn’t fit.
The complaint also mentions other incidents, including a monkey dying from a broken leg and dislocated knee after getting caught in a lock. Some monkeys died from heatstroke, infections, or injuries caused by improper handling. Internal documents also show monkeys suffering from broken bones, torn tails, and even severed tongues due to mishandling or fights with other monkeys.
In November 2023, 43 monkeys escaped from AGI’s facility in Yemassee, South Carolina, after a gate was left unlocked. Most were recaptured, but four remain unaccounted for.
AGI provides animals for pre-clinical drug testing and holds a $19 million contract with the U.S. National Institutes of Health.