Mississippi Crash Releases Rhesus Monkeys, One Loose

On Oct. 28, a truck transporting rhesus monkeys overturned on I‑59 north of Heidelberg in Jasper County, Mississippi, scattering crates and briefly freeing several primates. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries and an animal disposal company responded; authorities recovered most animals and said all but one were euthanized or “destroyed,” and they urged residents not to approach the remaining monkey and to call 911 if seen. Officials described the roughly 40‑pound monkeys as “aggressive to humans” and said handlers require personal protective equipment. Initial reports listed hepatitis C, herpes and COVID among possible pathogens, but Tulane said the primates belong to another research entity, are not infectious, and will send animal‑care experts to assist; officials say exact infection status has not been confirmed. Reports differ on totals—some outlets said the truck carried 21 monkeys and six escaped (five destroyed), while other reports gave lower or unclear counts.