Mississippi Mother Shoots Escaped Research Monkey After Truck Crash Releases Primates

A truck carrying 21 rhesus monkeys for scientific research crashed on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg, Mississippi, about 100 miles from Jackson.

“Eight monkeys escaped from their cages; five were killed during efforts to capture them, while three were still at large before Sunday”

Associated Press

The crash released primates along the roadway.

Associated Press

Multiple outlets report that most of the animals died in the crash while three escaped.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol has opened an investigation as the cause remains unknown.

Authorities and local media describe an active search in the area following the wreck and recovery of numerous animals.

One of the three escaped monkeys was later shot and killed by Jessica Bond Ferguson near her home after her son spotted the animal.

State wildlife officials took possession of the carcass.

BBC

People identifies the shooting date as November 2 and says two monkeys remain missing as authorities continue searching.

Newsweek describes the encounter as occurring early Sunday after the crash.

Both outlets, along with local business media, emphasize Ferguson’s stated safety concerns for her children.

Authorities confirm the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks took custody of the animal.

Public health messaging shifted over the course of reporting.

“Early Sunday morning, the quiet town of Heidelberg, Mississippi, found itself at the center of an unusual and unsettling drama”

Evrim Ağacı

Some authorities initially warned residents about health risks from the escaped animals.

A truck driver reportedly claimed the monkeys carried diseases, prompting authorities to destroy most of them.

Later statements from Tulane and officials said the monkeys were pathogen-free and not exposed to infectious agents.

This reframed the risk profile after the crash.

Coverage also diverged on Tulane’s role.

While multiple outlets noted a connection to Tulane facilities, several clarified the university did not own the animals and wasn’t responsible for transport.

Fox News

Others described the monkeys as housed at Tulane or “from” Tulane, creating potential confusion about ownership versus facility affiliation.

Officials characterized the escaped primates as aggressive and said some would need to be neutralized while continuing the search and recovery efforts.

“The saga of the escaped lab monkeys in Mississippi has taken a more gruesome turn”

Gizmodo

They are coordinating across agencies to manage the situation effectively.

Gizmodo

AP reported that 13 animals have been recovered so far.

The report also noted a similar macaque escape from a South Carolina facility about a year earlier.

CityBusiness highlighted previous biosecurity issues at the Tulane-linked research center, which have since been addressed.

The Highway Patrol’s investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The cause of the crash remains unknown as authorities and partners continue to manage the response.