A rhesus macaque named Forrest secured a permanent home at a New Jersey wildlife refuge after several days on the run.
Forrest traveled with 21 monkeys for biomedical research when their truck overturned on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg on October 28.
Law officers searched the area immediately after the crash and found five monkeys dead.
Body-camera footage captured monkeys bursting from broken crates and racing across the grassy median.
Several animals sprinted toward passing cars and semitrailers on the highway.
Forrest and two others avoided officers at the crash site and escaped into nearby woods.
Civilians later shot the other two monkeys and said they acted to protect their communities.
Forrest stayed hidden for about a week before a local resident spotted him near the crash location.
Workers from one of the transport companies captured him soon afterward.
Refuge Staff Guide Forrest Through a New Start
Authorities had warned residents to avoid the rhesus monkeys because they can act aggressively.
Seeking permanent placement, staff relocated Forrest to the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge in Lacey Township, New Jersey.
Refuge officials say Forrest adjusted steadily to the facility.
He built trust with his caretakers through regular interaction and calm routines.
Workers provide him with a diet of commercial kibble, grapes, and peanuts.
Support Efforts Aim to Secure Long-Term Care
The refuge now asks the public for donations to support Forrest’s ongoing care.
