NEW YORK, November 11. /TASS/. Over half of the monkeys that escaped from the Alpha Genesis research center in the US city of Yemassee (South Carolina) have been recaptured, but 18 animals are still unaccounted for, ABC News TV channel reported, citing police data.

At least 25 of the 43 monkeys have been captured, ABC News said.

Veterinarians have been examining the animals, and initial reports indicate they are all in good health. "A 'sizeable group' remains active along the compound's fence line and has bedded down in the trees for the night," ABC News wrote, quoting local police. Law enforcement officials indicated that efforts to retrieve the remaining monkeys will continue until all of the escaped primates are found.

On November 7, NBC News reported that about 40 monkeys had escaped from the Alpha Genesis research center in Yemassee. The monkeys - mostly macaques and capuchins - were bred for medical research on various diseases, including brain diseases.