by Heidelberg, MS – A significant incident unfolded on a Mississippi highway when a truck transporting rhesus monkeys overturned, allowing the animals to escape into the wild. Authorities report that all but one of the monkeys have been killed following the accident, which occurred approximately 100 miles from Jackson, Mississippi’s capital.
The overturned truck caused wooden crates labeled “live animals” to scatter along Interstate 59 near Heidelberg. Video footage captured the monkeys crawling through tall grass beside the highway, prompting a rapid response from local law enforcement and wildlife officials.
Details of the Overturned Truck Incident
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the rhesus monkeys were being transported for scientific research from Tulane University. Although the exact cause of the truck overturn remains unknown, deputies shared concerns regarding the monkeys’ behavior and potential risks.
“They are aggressive to humans and require PPE to handle,” the sheriff’s department posted on Facebook. The driver relayed the monkeys were dangerous and posed threats, leading to what was described as “appropriate actions.”
The number of monkeys originally in the truck and the precise count of those killed have not been publicly confirmed. What is clear is that only one monkey remains unaccounted for at this time.
About the Rhesus Monkeys and Their Research Role
Rhesus monkeys, typically weighing around 16 pounds, are among the most medically studied animals globally. They have brown fur with distinctive red faces and ears. Their close-cropped hair highlights their expressive faces, making them quite recognizable.
- These primates were imported to the U.S. in the 1970s for biomedical research.
- They are known to be “bold, extremely curious, and adventurous,” according to the New England Primate Conservancy.
- The species is highly adaptable to living alongside humans.
A spokesperson from Tulane University clarified to CBS News that the escaped monkeys “are provided to other research organizations to advance scientific discovery” and that “they are not infectious.” The primates belong to another entity but were housed at Tulane’s National Biomedical Research Center in New Orleans.
Response and Ongoing Efforts
Local authorities including Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries have been involved in the response, working closely with Tulane’s animal care experts sent to assist. The sheriff’s department initially mentioned disease concerns such as herpes, but Tulane and officials later emphasized that the animals are not infectious.
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For more background on this incident and responses from experts, view the full report on the CBS News website.
Similar Incidents and Public Safety Considerations
This is not the first instance of rhesus monkeys escaping in the U.S. In November 2024, 43 rhesus macaques escaped from a research facility in South Carolina, raising public safety concerns before all were captured safely months later. Such incidents highlight the challenges of transporting and containing these highly curious and adaptable primates.
What Happens Next?
Authorities continue efforts to locate the missing monkey while maintaining public safety precautions. The incident raises important questions about transport methods for live animals, especially species considered aggressive or carrying potential health risks.
Key facts to remember:
- The truck overturned near Heidelberg, Mississippi, on Interstate 59.
- The rhesus monkeys were affiliated with Tulane University and used for biomedical research.
- All but one monkey have been accounted for, with most killed for safety reasons.
- Authorities and experts emphasize the monkeys are not infectious.
What do you think about this unusual incident? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
