Rhesus Monkeys Escape After Mississippi Truck Overturn

A truck hauling rhesus monkeys overturned Oct. 28 on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg in Jasper County, Mississippi, scattering crates and allowing several research primates to escape. Local deputies warned the animals were “aggressive” and said they carried hepatitis C, herpes and COVID, and authorities reported that the majority of escaped monkeys were later “destroyed,” though officials gave conflicting counts of how many animals escaped or were killed. Tulane University’s National Primate Research Center said the monkeys belonged to another entity, that they “have not been exposed to any infectious agent,” and that Tulane is collaborating with authorities and sending animal‑care experts to assist. Mississippi wildlife and fisheries personnel, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and an animal‑disposal contractor responded and urged the public not to approach any monkeys. The incident drew criticism from animal‑rights groups and prompted investigations into the crash, the animals’ ownership, and the circumstances of the lethal response.