Overview
- Sheriff Randy Johnson said 21 rhesus monkeys were on the truck, with six escaping and 15 remaining caged after the rollover on I-59 near Heidelberg.
- Most of the escapees were euthanized at the scene, and an animal-disposal company was called to handle the carcasses, authorities said.
- Initial claims that the monkeys carried hepatitis C, herpes and COVID came from the truck driver and were later contradicted by Tulane University.
- Key details remain under investigation, including who owns the animals, who arranged the transport, their destination and what caused the crash.
- Mississippi Wildlife officials and local law enforcement continue searching for the three unaccounted-for monkeys, with Tulane animal-care teams assisting.