On Tuesday, a curious incident unfolded on a Mississippi highway when a truck carrying rhesus monkeys overturned. The truck flipped about 100 miles from Jackson, and the escapees were soon spotted scurrying through tall grass along Interstate 59. Most of the monkeys have tragically been killed, but three remain at large.
Initial reports from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department indicated that these monkeys came from Tulane University. They noted that rhesus monkeys are generally considered aggressive and require special protective gear when handled. A video of the scene showed wooden crates labeled “live animals” scattered across the highway.
The driver of the truck relayed concerns about the monkeys being dangerous to humans, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. There’s confusion surrounding how many monkeys were originally in the truck or the precise number that were killed.
Rhesus monkeys are prominent in medical research and weigh about 16 pounds. While the sheriff’s department mentioned potential diseases, Tulane University clarified that these animals were not infectious and had undergone recent health checkups confirming they were disease-free. This becomes crucial since misinformation can lead to unnecessary panic.
Historically, rhesus macaques were brought to the U.S. in the 1970s for biomedical research. They are adaptable and known for their bold nature, which makes them fascinating yet complex animals.
This isn’t the first time monkeys have escaped from captivity. In November 2024, 43 rhesus macaques managed to slip away from a research facility in South Carolina. Thanks to vigilant local authorities, they were all successfully recaptured.
Social media reactions have been mixed. Some users expressed concern over public safety, while others called for stricter regulations on transporting live animals.
For a deeper understanding of rhesus macaques and their role in research, you can refer to the New England Primate Conservancy, which provides insights into their behaviors and contributions to science.
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