The Post and Courier this week published a startling story behind Morgan Island, a remote barrier island in St. Helena Sound that houses up to 4,000 rhesus monkeys used for federal medical testing programs.
Purchased with $22.3 million in taxpayer funds as part of a conservation initiative, this island has operated for decades as America's largest free-range breeding ground for research primates - largely hidden from public scrutiny.
The Post and Courier's investigation reveals key findings:
- South Carolina officials originally planned to remove the monkeys when purchasing the island with federal funds in 2002 but instead maintained the colony to cash in on lease payments. South Carolina collects $1.5 million annually in lease payments from federal contractors.
- Federal officials were blindsided when they discovered monkeys still inhabited the conservation area after the purchase, forcing a controversial redrawing of protected wetland boundaries.
- Approximately 500 monkeys are captured annually from the island, before being transported to laboratories for medical and pharmaceutical testing that at times ends.
- Deep budget cuts and animal welfare concerns have prompted some to reconsider the long-term viability of the operation.
"Our investigation shows how Morgan Island became trapped between competing priorities - conservation, scientific research, and financial interests," said Jeff Taylor, executive editor of The Post and Courier. "Now with federal policies shifting on animal testing and environmental concerns mounting, this hidden colony faces an uncertain future."
The full story is available online at postandcourier.com.