On October 28, 2025, a truck carrying Rhesus monkeys crashed on Interstate 59 in Mississippi, leading to a frantic search for escaped primates and a flurry of conflicting information. The incident sparked public concern and raised questions about the transportation of research animals. This post will detail the events of the crash, clarify the conflicting reports, and explore the public and official reactions to the unusual situation.
The crash occurred near mile marker 117 in Jasper County, Mississippi, roughly 75 miles east of Jackson. A truck transporting monkeys overturned, allowing some of the animals to escape into the surrounding area. This immediately prompted a response from local law enforcement and wildlife officials, who were faced with the challenging task of capturing the loose primates.
Initial reports from the scene created a sense of alarm. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office issued warnings based on information provided by the truck driver, which later turned out to be inaccurate. This misinformation complicated the response efforts and fueled public anxiety about the potential dangers posed by the escaped animals.
The chaos of the crash
When the truck overturned on I-59, the immediate priority for authorities was to secure the scene and account for all the animals. According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the truck was carrying a total of 21 Rhesus monkeys.
The initial chaos was intensified by statements from the truck driver, who told officers at the scene that the monkeys could be carrying infectious diseases like hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID. Based on this information, the Sheriff's Department advised that officers would need personal protective equipment to handle the animals and warned the public not to approach them. This created a perception that the escaped monkeys were not only aggressive but also a significant public health threat.
According to a report from WDAM, five of the escaped monkeys were "eliminated" by authorities. Later, the Jasper County Sheriff's office clarified that five monkeys were dead and thirteen were in custody, with three still on the loose. The animal disposal firm was called to remove the carcasses from the scene, while the monkeys that remained caged were eventually picked up by representatives from Tulane University.
Conflicting reports and clarifications
As the situation unfolded, conflicting information began to emerge, causing confusion for both the public and the media. The Jasper County Sheriff's Department initially posted on Facebook that the monkeys were dangerous and infected, based on the truck driver's claims. This led to widespread concern in the local community.
However, Tulane University, which was connected to the monkeys, quickly moved to correct the record. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the university clarified that the primates belonged to "another entity" and were not infectious. The university stated, “We’re actively collaborating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care experts to assist as needed.”
This contradiction highlighted a significant communication breakdown during the incident. While the Sheriff's department acted on the information they were given at the scene, the university's statement painted a very different picture. The monkeys, which were described as aggressive and weighing about 40 pounds each, were indeed a potential physical risk, but the threat of infectious disease was unfounded. The animals were being transported from Tulane's National Primate Research Center to another research facility when the accident occurred.
Public and official response
The news of escaped monkeys, potentially carrying diseases, naturally captured public attention and triggered a range of reactions. Local residents were advised to be cautious and report any sightings to 911 immediately. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks joined local law enforcement in the search for the remaining loose monkeys.
The incident also drew a swift response from animal rights organizations. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) issued a statement condemning the "greedy monkey experimentation industry," arguing that such accidents are an inevitable consequence of transporting animals for research purposes. The organization used the event to call for an end to animal testing.
By the end of the day, authorities confirmed that some of the monkeys had been euthanized or were otherwise deceased, while a few remained at large. The search continued, but the initial panic began to subside as more accurate information became available. Tulane University's team arrived on-site to assist in retrieving the animals, bringing their expertise in animal care to help manage the situation.
What we know now
The incident involving the escaped monkeys in Mississippi was a complex event marked by initial misinformation and a challenging emergency response. Here's a summary of the key facts:
- A truck carrying 21 Rhesus monkeys overturned on I-59 in Jasper County.
- Several monkeys escaped, leading to a search by local authorities.
- Initial reports from the scene incorrectly stated that the monkeys were carrying infectious diseases.
- Tulane University later confirmed the monkeys were not infectious but were being transported for another research entity.
- Several of the escaped monkeys were killed or euthanized during the capture efforts.
- As of the latest reports, three monkeys remained on the loose.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks involved in transporting live animals, particularly those used in research. It also underscores the importance of clear and accurate communication during a crisis to avoid unnecessary public panic. While the immediate danger was managed by local authorities, the incident continues to fuel a broader debate about the ethics and safety of using primates in scientific research.
