Overview
- Authorities say a truck hauling rhesus monkeys overturned on I-59 near Heidelberg on Oct. 28, releasing several animals and triggering a multi-agency response.
- Sheriff Randy Johnson reported 21 monkeys were on board, with six escaping and 15 remaining caged after the crash.
- Initial warnings that the animals were aggressive and carried hepatitis C, herpes and COVID-19 came from the driver, according to the sheriff’s office.
- Tulane University said the primates belong to another entity, were not infectious and were not being transported by Tulane, and it sent animal-care experts to assist.
- Officials first said all but one escapee were destroyed, then later updated the count to three monkeys still unaccounted for as searches continued with wildlife officers and an animal-disposal firm on scene.