Urgent warning as 43 monkeys escape research centre after worker leaves door unlocked

The baby female rhesus macaques are said to weigh just 6 to 7 pounds each and have been on the run since Wednesday night when a caretaker left a door open

People in South Carolina are being warned to stay alert after more than 40 monkeys escaped from a test facility when a caretaker accidentally left a door open.

The 43 rhesus macaques broke free from their enclosure at the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Centre in Yemassee on Wednesday. The animals are very young females, have not yet been used for testing and don't carry diseases.

The police said the escapees are believed to be in the wooded region surrounding the facility. Yemassee Police Department reported on Thursday: "Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard told CBS earlier today the 43 primates escaped after a caretaker failed to secure doors.

"We urge anyone who sights or encounters one of these animals to contact 911 immediately and to refrain from approaching or interacting with them.

"These animals are highly sensitive and easily startled, we recommend that the public to avoid the area to prevent frightening them further. The staff at Alpha Genesis are currently attempting to entice the animals back using food in order to ensure their safe capture."

Beaufort County Sheriff's Office said: "According to a spokesperson for Alpha Genesis, the 43 rhesus macaque who escaped are described as very young females, weighing about 6-7 pounds. The monkeys have never been used for testing due to their young age and size and are too young to carry disease."

People have taken to social media to comment on the event. On Facebook, Joyce Chastonay referenced 2011 film Rise of the Planet of the Apes by noting "I saw a movie about this one time. Hint look for the lead one his name is Caesar," referring to the highly-intelligent leader of the apes.