Authorities in South Carolina have warned residents to lock their doors and windows after 40 monkeys escaped from a research facility on Wednesday evening.

The primates escaped from an Alpha Genesis facility in Beaufort County and traps were set and thermal imaging cameras were used to locate the escaped monkeys, Yemassee police said in a statement.

“Residents are strongly advised to secure doors and windows to prevent these animals from entering their homes,” police said. “If you spot any of the escaped animals, please call 911 immediately and do not approach them again.”

According to its website, Alpha Genesis breeds monkeys and provides “non-human primate products and bioresearch services” worldwide. The company's clinical trials reportedly include research into progressive brain diseases.

Authorities have not identified the breed of the escaped primates, but the company's website says its staff of veterinary technicians and animal specialists work with cynomolgus monkeys, rhesus macaques and capuchin monkeys.

Yemassee police said several officers worked with Alpha Genesis personnel to recapture the primates.

The Post and Courier newspaper reported last year that Alpha Genesis had won a federal contract to oversee a colony of 3,500 rhesus macaques on South Carolina's Morgan Island, known as “Monkey Island.”

The newspaper reported that monkeys had already escaped from Alpha Genesis. Eight years ago, 19 primates escaped the company's facility but were recaptured about six hours later.

Last year, dozens of lab monkeys escaped in Pennsylvania after a truck carrying 100 animals crashed. All primates were later billed.