A truck full of several sick laboratory monkeys crashed Tuesday morning in Jasper County, Mississippi, and officials are warning residents to stay alert.
Tulane University’s rhesus monkeys escaped confinement after the truck overturned on Interstate 59. According to Sheriff Randy Johnson, the truck was transporting 21 monkeys to a testing facility in Florida when it crashed near the 117 mile marker, just north of Heidelberg.
Most of the monkeys have been found, but at least one is still out of control, Johnson said. Law enforcement and wildlife officials are warning the public not to approach the animals by any means and to contact authorities if they are spotted.
“Do not attempt to catch or touch these monkeys,” Johnson warned. “They can be aggressive and carry diseases including hepatitis C, herpes and Covid.”
Authorities said five of the monkeys had been “euthanized” for safety reasons. Crews from Tulane University are being sent to capture the remaining animals and assist with cleanup and containment efforts.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks joined local law enforcement to help manage the situation and coordinate with the animal removal company. Officials said the highway is partially restricted as cleanup operations continue.
“We are continuing to search for the only ape still at large,” Sheriff Johnson said in a statement.
Photos from the crash site show cages scattered on the side of the road and responders working to secure the remaining animals. The sheriff stressed that residents near Heidelberg and along I-59 should remain vigilant until all of the animals are identified.
“If you see one, don’t approach it, report it,” he said.
The incident has raised fears and disbelief online, with many residents believing the post to be a joke. The Sheriff’s Office has confirmed several times that the incident is real.
Officials stressed that public safety and containment are top priorities as recovery efforts continue.
“Nonhuman primates at Tulane National Biomedical Research Center are offered to other research organizations to advance scientific discoveries,” said a statement from Andrew Yaun of Tulane University. “The monkeys in question belong to another entity and are not contagious. We are actively cooperating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care experts to assist as needed.”