Truck hauling ‘aggressive’ monkeys overturns in Jasper County

JASPER COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) – A truck hauling monkeys has overturned in Jasper County.

According to Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson, the truck was hauling Rehsus monkeys from Tulane University to a testing facility when it overturned around the 117-mile marker just north of Heidelberg on I-59.

Do not approach the monkeys. Call 911 immediately.(Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson)

Johnson reported that there are 21 total, and the last one remaining, nicknamed Rafiki by lab, is loose. Five of the loose monkeys have been “eliminated,” according to the sheriff. Do not approach the monkey, and call 911 immediately if you see it.

According to Johnson, the monkeys carry hepatitis C, herpes, and COVID. Tulane has confirmed that it will send a crew to pick up the monkeys that are still caged on Wednesday.

Officials from Tulane University said they will retrieve the caged monkeys on Wednesday.(Raven Little, WDAM 7)

Tulane University released the following statement about the incident:

Non-human primates at the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center are provided to other research organizations to advance scientific discovery. The primates in question belong to another entity and are not infectious. We are actively collaborating with local authorities and will send a team of animal care experts to assist as needed.Tulane University

Be careful of traffic on I-59 as crews work in the area. Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries is on the site with local law enforcement. The wreck has been cleared.

Stay with us for updates.