Authorities report that more than half of the monkeys that escaped from a primate research facility in South Carolina last week have been recaptured.

A total of 43 monkeys escaped from Alpha Genesis. Between Saturday and Sunday, 25 were recaptured, leaving 18 still missing in Yemassee, a small town located roughly 60 miles west of Charleston. The monkeys, a type known as rhesus macaques, broke free on Wednesday when a caregiver accidentally left a door unsecured after feeding them.

Yemassee police mentioned on Facebook on Sunday that “a sizable group remains active” near the facility’s fence line and had “settled in the trees for the night.”

The post included comments from Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard, stating that the recovery mission “will continue until all animals are safely recovered.”

43 Monkeys Break Free from Alpha Genesis in SC

Since their escape, the monkeys have been seen perched in trees amid the woods surrounding the 100-acre Alpha Genesis facility.

Alpha Genesis maintains about 5,000 monkeys of various species at two locations in South Carolina, conducting biomedical studies and scientific research. The escaped animals are identified as young female rhesus macaques, each weighing no more than 7 pounds.

The facility, along with local law enforcement, is trying to lure the monkeys back using food.

These monkeys have not yet participated in any testing due to their young age and size and are not considered a public health risk since they are too immature to carry diseases, according to Alpha Genesis.

Nonetheless, residents of Yemassee, which has a population of around 2,200, are advised to keep their doors and windows shut. The police have cautioned that anyone who sees the monkeys should not approach them, as they are “skittish” animals, but rather call 911 for assistance.

25 Recaptured Monkeys Are ‘In Good Health’

The first monkey was recaptured on Saturday, followed by 24 more on Sunday, as per Yemassee police reports. Officials have not disclosed the locations where the monkeys were found.

Veterinarians have assessed the captured monkeys and reported that they are “in good health,” according to police notifications.

Additionally, the police department’s Facebook message urged the public not to use drones in the area, as a recent drone incident caused the monkeys to become frightened, which not only raised their stress levels but also complicated the efforts to bring them back safely.

This Isn’t the First Time Monkeys Have Escaped Alpha Genesis

This incident marks not the first escape of monkeys from Alpha Genesis.

In 2016, 19 monkeys fled the facility but were recaptured within six hours, according to reports from The Post and Courier.

Previously, in December 2014, 26 monkeys escaped, but they were found and returned within two days. Following that incident, Alpha Genesis faced a fine of $12,600 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for failing to secure the animals properly.