Monkey at large after truck overturn in Mississippi, authorities warn of possible threats due to its aggressive nature

A truck transporting rhesus monkeys from Tulane University in New Orleans overturned on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg, Mississippi, on Tuesday afternoon (October 28), leading to the escape of several monkeys. The incident has raised public health concerns and prompted a coordinated response from local and state authorities.

The crash occurred near mile marker 117, approximately 100 miles north of Jackson, Mississippi. According to the Jasper County Sheriff's Department, the truck was carrying rhesus monkeys when it overturned. Six monkeys escaped from their cages, and authorities reported that all but one were euthanized by late Tuesday.

While initial reports from the sheriff's department indicated that the escaped monkeys were infected with hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID-19, posing potential health risks to humans, Taulane University confirmed that the escaped primates were not infectious. The sheriff's department also described the monkeys as approximately 40 pounds, aggressive toward humans, and requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) for handling.


Tulane University issued a statement clarifying that the monkeys were non-infectious and belonged to another research organization. The university emphasized that its National Biomedical Research Center provides primates to other institutions for scientific research and is collaborating with local authorities to assist in the situation.

“Nonhuman primates at the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center are provided to other research organizations to advance scientific discovery. This is a common practice among research organizations. On Oct. 28, a vehicle was transporting 21 Rhesus Macaques when an accident occurred on I-59 in Mississippi. The nonhuman primates were not being transported by Tulane, not owned by Tulane, and not in Tulane’s custody. The primates in question were not carrying any diseases and had received recent checkups confirming that they were pathogen-free. Although Tulane did not transport or own the nonhuman primates at the time of the incident, we sent a team of animal care experts to assist in this tragic incident. Questions regarding the missing nonhuman primates and other details of this case should be referred to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks," the university stated.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) joined local law enforcement and an animal disposal company in responding to the incident. Authorities have urged the public not to approach the escaped monkey and to call 911 if it is sighted. The cause of the truck's overturn remains under investigation.

Residents in the area are advised to exercise caution and report any sightings of the escaped monkey to local authorities immediately. Given the animals' described aggression, it is crucial to avoid direct contact.