Overview
- An overturned truck on Oct. 28 along I-59 near Heidelberg, Mississippi, released research rhesus macaques, and authorities say most escapees were euthanized.
- Sheriff Randy Johnson said 21 monkeys were on the truck and that three remain unaccounted for after Tulane personnel accessed the trailer and reconciled the count.
- Tulane University said it did not own or transport the monkeys, stated the primates were not infectious, and sent animal-care experts to assist and retrieve those still in cages.
- The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said it acted on the truck driver’s claims that the monkeys carried hepatitis C, herpes and COVID, warnings later contradicted by Tulane.
- Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries joined the response, an animal-disposal contractor handled carcasses, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating the crash cause and circumstances.