Two escaped rhesus monkeys were shot dead in Mississippi following a truck crash that led to their escape. Authorities confirmed that one monkey is still missing, sparking concerns about public safety and the potential risks posed by escaped primates. The incident has drawn attention to the broader implications of escaped primates, especially given their origins from a Tulane National Primate Research Center in New Orleans.
Residents have expressed fears for their children’s safety after the monkeys were found running through yards and crossing highways. A mother, Jessica Bond Ferguson, shot and killed one of the monkeys after her 16-year-old son reported a primate in their yard. She emphasized her actions were driven by the need to protect her children and others in the community.
The truck carrying 21 rhesus monkeys overturned on Oct. 28 on Interstate 59, triggering a search that has lasted over a week. The monkeys came from the Tulane National Primate Research Center, which stated they were used for scientific research but were not owned by the university. The center clarified that the monkeys were pathogen-free, alleviating some concerns about disease transmission.
Authorities have been working to locate the remaining monkeys, with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks taking custody of one that was found on private property. The incident highlights the challenges of managing escaped primates and the potential risks they pose to public safety and the environment.