20 monkeys died due to problems with heating equipment at the research facility

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

On Monday, groups for the ethical treatment of animals filed the latest complaint against Alpha Genesis after the organization said it received an anonymous tip from a whistleblower regarding the deaths of multiple monkeys.

An initial written complaint filed by PETA with the USDA says 20 monkeys died as a result of a problem with heating equipment in one of Alpha Genesis’ buildings. A PETA spokesman said it had received reports from whistleblowers that the death toll ranged from 18 to 22 people.

A USDA spokesperson said: “I can confirm that we recently received a complaint containing several detailed allegations and that we are reviewing it to determine whether there are any Animal Welfare Act (AWA) noncompliances that we should address.”

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

The facility from which 43 monkeys escaped earlier this month is currently being investigated by lawmakers and animal rights groups.

All Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Alpha Genesis reports since January 2023 have contained no cases of non-compliance. The facility, which receives millions of dollars in taxpayer funds each year, breeds primates for the biomedical research community and conducts its own research on the coronavirus epidemic.

APHIS inspection reports confirm multiple monkey deaths at Alpha Genesis in 2022. According to reports, a young monkey was found strangled with gauze. Many monkeys have reportedly died from injuries inflicted by other primates after being returned to the wrong cage or after being exposed to a damaged cage.

A 2023 APHIS report stated that the inspection found moldy food.