A wild and concerning incident unfolded on Interstate 59 in Mississippi, where a truck transporting rhesus monkeys from a research facility overturned on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Following the crash, several monkeys loose in Mississippi, spurring a large-scale search and raising both public safety and health concerns.
How Many Monkeys Are Missing?
Initially, the truck was carrying 21 rhesus monkeys en route from a lab associated with Tulane University to a research center in Florida. The accident resulted in six monkeys escaping, though five were later captured or euthanized, leaving three still on the loose in Jasper County, Mississippi.
🚨🇺🇸 BREAKING: "AGGRESSIVE" LAB MONKEYS ESCAPE OVERTURNED TRUCK IN MISSISSIPPI
Tulane University transport truck crashes on I-59, releasing six 40-pound rhesus monkeys.
Five have been euthanized, one still loose in the woods near Heidelberg.
Sheriff Randy Johnson warns… pic.twitter.com/tqOuOEGuiU— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 28, 2025
Are These Monkeys Dangerous to Humans?
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office issued warnings that the monkeys are aggressive and weigh approximately 40 pounds each. The truck driver informed authorities of potential risks, claiming the monkeys carried diseases including hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID-19. However, Tulane University has since clarified that the monkeys involved are not infectious and belong to a separate entity, not the university itself.
Public Safety Measures and Response
Authorities urged residents not to approach the monkeys and to contact law enforcement immediately if they spot any. The sheriff’s office equipped response teams with personal protective equipment (PPE) to safely handle the situation. Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries joined local law enforcement in the search and containment efforts.
What’s Next?
Law enforcement continues to track the remaining escaped monkeys, while a team of animal care specialists from Tulane University is expected at the scene to assist with containment and animal welfare. Most of the escaped monkeys were euthanized following standard safety protocol, and efforts to locate the last missing animal are ongoing.
Controversy and Animal Rights Concerns
The incident has drawn criticism from animal rights organizations like PETA, condemning the use of animals in research and highlighting the dangers of transporting wildlife. The escape serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with animal experimentation and the importance of safety during animal transport.
