URGENT UPDATE: Five monkeys have been euthanized after a truck crash in Jasper County, Mississippi, on October 30, 2023. The incident occurred when the vehicle transporting the monkeys overturned on Interstate 59, leading to chaotic scenes as some of the animals escaped.
Sheriff Randy Johnson confirmed that the decision to euthanize the monkeys was based on urgent but incorrect information regarding their health status. The driver had mistakenly informed authorities that the monkeys were infected with COVID-19, hepatitis C, and herpes. The sheriff expressed regret over the situation, stating, “I hate it got to the point that it did… we reacted on the information that we were given at the time.”
Around 2:30 PM on Tuesday, local authorities warned the public via social media not to approach the monkeys, labeling them as “aggressive” and a potential public health threat. Photos from the scene showed animal crates scattered across the grassy median, with some monkeys roaming free.
As of Wednesday afternoon, three monkeys remain unaccounted for, raising concerns about public safety in the area. The truck, which was transporting a total of 21 rhesus monkeys from a biomedical research center linked to Tulane University in New Orleans, overturned after the driver reportedly fell asleep.
In a shocking twist, Tulane University later clarified that the monkeys had not been exposed to any infectious agents. The university’s communication highlighted the miscommunication that led to the drastic actions taken by law enforcement.
Next Steps: Authorities are actively searching for the remaining monkeys while animal welfare groups, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, are criticizing the handling of the situation and the decision to euthanize the animals without sufficient evidence of their health risks.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for accurate information in crisis situations, especially involving public safety and animal welfare. As the situation develops, more updates are expected from local officials and animal rights advocates.
