Federal complaint: 20 monkeys died after heating equipment problem at research center

YEMASSEE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reviewing a new complaint filed against Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center this week.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals submitted the newest complaint against Alpha Genesis on Monday after the organization said they received an anonymous tip from a whistleblower about the deaths of multiple monkeys.

PETA’s initial written complaint to the USDA says 20 monkeys died after a problem with heating equipment in one of Alpha Genesis’ buildings. A spokesperson for PETA said they have received reports from whistleblowers of the death toll ranging from 18 to 22.

A spokesperson for the USDA said, “I can confirm that we recently received a complaint with some detailed allegations and that we are reviewing them to determine whether there are Animal Welfare Act (AWA) noncompliances we need to follow up on.”

FOX Carolina reached out to Alpha Genesis CEO Dr. Greg Westergaard for comment on the complaint. We have not yet received a response.

The facility, which was the site where 43 monkeys escaped earlier this month, is under scrutiny by a lawmaker and animal rights organizations.

All of Alpha Genesis’ USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reports since January 2023 have been free of non-compliance incidents. The facility, which receives millions of dollars in taxpayer funding each year, breeds primates for the biomedical research community and has conducted its own research on the coronavirus outbreak.

APHIS inspection reports confirm the deaths of multiple monkeys at Alpha Genesis in 2022. According to the reports, a young monkey was found strangled with gauze. Multiple monkeys reportedly died from injuries caused by other primates after being returned to the wrong cage or having contact through a broken cage.

A 2023 APHIS report said moldy food was found during an inspection.

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