Charles Chapman, Administrator

2015
Hendry County, Florida

May 12,

Administrator Chapman,
I am contacting you today to discuss a very several serious concern that I have relevant to the monkey
farm situation there in Hendry County.
I imagine that you have received assurances those who are in the business of breeding monkeys for use in
experimentation that these facilities treat animals well and that they are not a danger to the public. This is
not true. I have previously provided you with information regarding improper treatment of animals and
negligence within the primate products facility specifically relevant to the deaths of several monkeys there.
However, I do not believe that I have adequately addressed the concept of public safety. Just as these
facilities have not been forthcoming regarding their use of animals in experimentation in violation of zoning
requirements, I believe that you have not received adequate information relevant to the frequency of animal
escapes from primate facilities in the U.S., so I am supplying it here, and in attached documents.
The Alpha Genesis facility in South Carolina is very similar to the monkey farms in Florida both in size and
functioning. This facility has a history of violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Most recently, the 4/1/15
inspection report states that in two separate monkey escapes occurred during December of 2014. In one
incident 26 monkeys escaped and were at large for 48 hours. In the second incident 1 monkey escaped
and was never recaptured. Clearly, it is dangerous to have monkeys who may have been exposed to
contagious diseases roaming freely.
A USDA inspection of the University of Texas (Austin) dated 2-5-15 discusses the escape of a monkey who
was being shifted for transportation. The monkey was injured during the escape.
A report filed by Princeton University with the National Institutes of Health in March of 2014 discusses the
escape of two marmosets.
A July 15, 2014, USDA inspection of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, discusses 36 separate primate
escapes in approximately 18 months.
A December 21, 2011, report filed by the University of California, Davis, reports the escape of 50 nonhuman primates from an outdoor enclosure which occurred when the monkeys broke the hinges on the

enclosure door.
As far as we know none of these escapes were reported to area officials, including the South Carolina
incidents in which 26 monkeys were at large for 48 hours and one monkey escaped and was never
recaptured.

1081-B State Route 28 #280

Milford, OH 45150

www.SAENonline.org

513-575-5517

This information makes two things very apparent:

1. Escapes of non-human primates, some of whom may have been exposed to contagious
diseases and who
carry herpes-B, is a very common occurrence.
2. When monkeys escape the offending facilities do not typically inform area officials of these
escapes,
ignoring very real concerns for public safety.
In light of these potential public safety issues, as well as previously related animal welfare concerns, I hope
that these issues will be taken into account when you are dealing with the monkey farm industry there in
Hendry County, and do everything in your power to close these facilities.
Please feel free to contact me personally at 513-703-9865 with questions.
Sincerely,

Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T.,

Executive Director, SAEN
Attachments: USDA & NIH documents relevant to monkey escapes.