The Rhesus Macaque Monkeys: An Insight into Their Escape and Significance
This week, a group of rhesus macaque monkeys made headlines after managing to escape from a laboratory, highlighting their unique place in scientific research. Of the 43 monkeys bred for medical study, only one has been safely recovered so far, while others remain elusive, playfully jumping near the facility’s fence, according to police reports. The escape was reportedly due to an employee at the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee failing to fully secure a door while tending to the monkeys.
For over a century, rhesus macaques have served as a mirror to humanity, showcasing our strengths and weaknesses through their remarkable behaviors, complex organ systems, and genetic similarities to humans. These bare-faced primates, known for their expressive eyes, have been subjects of various studies and even launched into space on rockets. Their genomes have been mapped, and they have even starred in reality TV shows, further emphasizing their cultural and scientific significance.
Animal rights advocates underline the ethical concerns surrounding the species, which has been subjected to extensive studies on vaccines, organ transplants, and the psychological effects of maternal separation. Conversely, many researchers emphasize the critical role these studies play in advancing medical knowledge and combating diseases such as AIDS, polio, and COVID-19.
A Historical Perspective on Rhesus Macaques in Research
Scientific research involving rhesus macaques dates back to the late 1800s, coinciding with the rise of evolutionary theory. The first documented study on this species appeared in 1893, focusing on the “anatomy of advanced pregnancy.” By 1925, the Carnegie Science Institute had established a breeding population of these monkeys to investigate embryology and fertility due to their close resemblance to humans.
One of the primary reasons for the widespread use of rhesus macaques in research is their abundance. They boast the largest natural range of any non-human primate, spanning from Afghanistan and India to Vietnam and China. Additionally, they are a resilient species, thriving in a variety of environments that are easy to maintain.
Contributions to Medicine and Space Exploration
In the 1950s, the kidneys of rhesus macaques played a crucial role in the development of the Salk polio vaccine. NASA also utilized these animals during the space race, with notable missions including that of a rhesus monkey named “Miss Sam,” who was launched in 1960 aboard a Mercury capsule. Achieving a velocity of 1,900 kph and an altitude of 14.5 kilometers, she returned in good health and was eventually sent back to her training colony.
Genomic Mapping and Its Implications
In 2007, scientists successfully unraveled the DNA of the rhesus macaque, revealing that this species shares approximately 93% of its genetic makeup with humans. This is particularly fascinating given that macaques diverged from the ape lineage around 25 million years ago. In contrast, humans and chimpanzees have evolved separately for about six million years yet still share nearly 99% of their gene sequences.
Behavioral Insights: The Political Nature of Rhesus Macaques
Research into the behavior of rhesus macaques has unveiled their remarkable social intelligence. According to Dario Maestripieri, a behavioral scientist at the University of Chicago and author of a book on these primates, they exhibit strong family ties, often siding with relatives during conflicts while also forming alliances when threatened. This phenomenon highlights their complex social structures and political behavior.
Maestripieri served as a consultant for the reality show “Monkey Thieves,” which followed the lives of rhesus macaques in India. He noted that the series captured their human-like traits and intricate social interactions, making it a captivating observation of their daily lives.
