Overview
- Authorities say a truck carrying rhesus monkeys overturned on Interstate 59 near mile marker 117 north of Heidelberg on Oct. 28, releasing several animals.
- Jasper County officials reported euthanizing all but one of the escaped monkeys and urged the public not to approach, with Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries leading the search.
- The sheriff’s office initially warned the monkeys carried hepatitis C, herpes and COVID-19, a claim Tulane contradicted by stating the animals are not infectious.
- Sheriff Randy Johnson said 21 monkeys were on board, with six escaping and 15 remaining in their cages after the crash.
- An animal disposal company was called to assist, Tulane said it would send animal-care experts, and key details about the transporter, destination and cause of the crash remain unclear.