JASPER COUNTY, Mississippi (WHLT) – On October 28, 2025, a truck transporting 21 monkeys to a testing facility in Florida overturned in Jasper County, Mississippi.
The crash occurred on Interstate 59 near mile marker 117, just north of Heidelberg, according to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Six rhesus macaques at Tulane University have reportedly escaped.
Officials said five of the six monkeys that escaped died.
“We are in contact with the animal handler to address the situation,” officials said.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) also responded to the scene. Authorities are still searching for one monkey, who is still at large. Neighbors should not approach the monkeys. If you see a monkey, you should call 911.
Officials said Tulane University has been notified and will send a team to retrieve the surviving monkeys on October 29, 2025. The university released the following statement:
Nonhuman primates at Tulane National Biomedical Research Center are provided to other research institutions to advance scientific discovery. The primate in question belongs to a separate entity and is not infectious. We actively work with local authorities and will deploy a team of animal protection experts to assist if necessary.
tulane university
