A truck with lab monkeys from Tulane University in Louisiana crashed on I-59 around mile marker 117, near Heidelberg, MS. Five were released during the course of the wreck.
The monkeys were reported to be carrying diseases, including hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID. Authorities have warned that they can be aggressive toward humans.
As of 1:58 pm, the Jasper County Sheriff's Office announced via Facebook, "All but one of the escaped monkeys have been destroyed. We have been in contact with an animal disposal company to help handle the situation. Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries is also on site with our local law enforcement. We are continuing to look for the one monkey that is still on the loose."
The sherrif's office staes that crash involved Rhesus monkeys, which are about 40 pounds each. There are apparently more monkeys still caged on the truck, and Tulane University has been notified and will be en route to pick up the remaining monkeys within a day.