YEMASSEE, S.C. () — This month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued an official warning to a debated monkey research center located in Yemassee.

In November 2024, 22 macaque monkeys reportedly died from carbon monoxide exposure at Alpha Genesis.

The incident was initially revealed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who claimed to have received information about the case from whistleblowers.

On December 9, 2024, a USDA inspection report validated the incident, stating that an employee from Alpha Genesis discovered “multiple cynomolgus monkeys down in a field cage.”

Fifty-four monkeys were impacted, and 32 survived due to the “quick actions of the facility employees,” the USDA officer reported.

The USDA issued the warning for the alleged violation and said that the facility failed to safely provide heat to the monkeys.

The incident happened exactly 20 days after a report that 43 rhesus macaque primates escaped from the Yemassee center.

If the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) obtains evidence of any future violation of these federal regulations, Alpha Genisis could be hit with sanctions including criminal prosecution, the warning said.

PETA officials said that the facility should lose its federal funding, while Alpha Genisis CEO Greg Westergaard has disputed PETA’s claims on social media.

Alpha Genesis Inc. provides nonhuman primate products and bio-research services worldwide, according to their website. This includes serum, plasma, whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and tissue samples.

Alpha Gensis operates one site in Hampton County and two in Beaufort County, including an offshore breeding area commonly called “Monkey Island” by locals.

Read the official warning here: