Urgent: Monkeys on the Loose in Mississippi – Two Shot, Search Continues for Last Primate
Heidelberg, Mississippi – November 6, 2023 – A bizarre and unsettling situation is unfolding in Jasper County, Mississippi, after a truck carrying research monkeys overturned last weekend. The incident has already resulted in the deaths of two rhesus macaques, shot by concerned citizens, and authorities are urgently searching for the final primate still at large. This breaking news story is rapidly developing, and archyde.com is providing the latest updates.
The Roadside Incident and Initial Escape
On October 28th, a vehicle belonging to PreLabs, a company specializing in biomedical research support, lost control on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg. The truck was transporting 21 rhesus macaques to an authorized research facility. The crash scattered cages along the roadside, allowing several of the animals to escape into the surrounding fields. Initial reports from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office indicated five monkeys died at the scene, with three initially unaccounted for.
Fear and Fatal Encounters: Residents Take Action
The first tragic encounter occurred on November 3rd when Jessica Bond Ferguson, a local mother of five, shot and killed an escaped macaque near her home. “I did what any other mother would do to protect her children,” Ferguson told the Associated Press, highlighting the immediate fear felt by residents. While initial concerns about potential disease transmission – including Covid-19, hepatitis C, and herpes – circulated, these fears were quickly debunked by scientific sources and the institutions involved. The following day, November 4th, a second monkey was fatally shot by a civilian while crossing a highway approximately a mile from the crash site.
Authorities Urge Caution: “Do Not Approach”
Mississippi authorities, including the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), are strongly advising residents not to approach the remaining macaque. “Rhesus macaques are known for their aggression, especially in stressful or captive situations,” a statement from the MDWFP warned. They emphasize that anyone spotting the animal should immediately contact local authorities and refrain from attempting to capture or chase it. The ongoing search is a testament to the unusual nature of this event and the potential risks involved.
Who are Rhesus Macaques and Why are They Used in Research?
Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are native to southern and eastern Asia and are a cornerstone of biomedical research. Their genetic similarity to humans, coupled with their stable population, makes them invaluable for studying a wide range of diseases and developing potential treatments. According to the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, adults typically weigh between 5 and 8 kilograms and have a lifespan of 25-30 years. However, it’s crucial to remember that these intelligent primates can exhibit aggressive behavior, and, though rare, can carry the B-virus (cercopithecine herpesvirus 1). This underscores the importance of maintaining a safe distance and allowing trained professionals to handle the situation.
PreLabs and Tulane University Respond
PreLabs has confirmed the vehicle was theirs and that the animals were legally being transported to an authorized research facility. They maintain the macaques were not carrying any known diseases and are cooperating fully with the investigation. Tulane University, from where the macaques originated, clarified that they were not responsible for the transportation itself, but that the 13 remaining monkeys reached their destination safely. The macaques were housed at Tulane’s National Biomedical Research Center, a key provider of primates for scientific research.
Investigation Continues, Search Intensifies
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is actively investigating the cause of the truck rollover. The search for the final missing macaque continues, and authorities are relying on public assistance. This incident raises important questions about the safety protocols surrounding the transportation of research animals and the potential for unforeseen consequences. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between scientific advancement, animal welfare, and public safety.
As the search continues, archyde.com will provide ongoing coverage of this developing story. For the latest updates and in-depth reporting on critical issues, stay tuned to our breaking news section and explore our extensive archive of SEO-optimized content. We are committed to delivering timely and relevant information to keep you informed.
