Authorities located one of three monkeys that fled after a truck overturned on a Mississippi interstate. The truck had been transporting 21 monkeys from Tulane University in New Orleans when it crashed near Heidelberg. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the recovery several days later in a Facebook statement.
“A homeowner on Highway 503 near Heidelberg found one of the monkeys this morning,” the post read. “The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks captured the animal and now has custody.” Officials said they had no additional information at the time.
Research Transport Sparks Controversy
The monkeys were reportedly part of a National Institutes of Health-funded research program criticized by the White Coat Waste Project, a nonprofit opposing government-funded animal testing. After the crash, sheriff’s deputies said they “eliminated” five monkeys weighing about 40 pounds each. Authorities noted that the truck driver initially warned responders to wear protective gear because the animals could be dangerous.
Officials confirmed that 13 monkeys stayed secured in their cages during the wreck and have since been returned to their owner. The owner continues transporting them to their original destination as planned.
Agencies Continue Investigation
Local and state agencies remain involved in the investigation. The Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and other local law enforcement units are examining the crash and recovery operations.
Authorities said efforts to locate the remaining escaped monkeys will continue until all are accounted for. The discovery of the first captured animal brought relief to residents near Heidelberg, who had been warned to stay cautious while the search unfolded.
