JASPER COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) – Three monkeys remain missing after a truck crashed in Jasper County on October 28, 2025.
Officials said the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) continued to search for the monkeys. The crash occurred on Interstate 59 north of Heidelberg. Bait and traps have been placed along the wreck site.
“I guess my biggest concern, if somebody approaches one, I don’t know if these things will approach a human, but I’m afraid if one gets in somebody’s yard or something, and they approach them, I don’t know what that animal will do. It’s a wild animal,” said Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson.
The sheriff said the driver of the truck initially told his deputies the monkeys were carrying infectious diseases, including hepatitis. Tulane University, which originally housed the animals, stated the monkeys were free of pathogens.
“I don’t really know who to believe or what to believe about the monkeys. So, I’m going to stay on the edge of caution. I’m not telling the public by any means to shoot them. I would ask them if they saw one to please call us and stay away from them. I’ve heard they’re not hostile animals. But then again, I think if one gets cornered, he might be. According to my guys at the scene that day, they were acting pretty vicious towards the officers and people around them,” said Johnson.
He said the driver told deputies that if the animals escaped, they would need to be neutralized. Johnson said he made the decision out of a need for safety.
“I did what I felt was best for the county. And I do hate it. I hate that it turned out that way. But I’m still not going to say that’s the wrong decision by any means,” he stated.
Tulane University said they were housing the monkeys for another entity but would not specify who owned them. It’s also unclear where the monkeys were being transported.
The transport of research animals is a common occurrence and usually requires legally binding contracts that prevent the involved parties from disclosing information, both for the safety of the animals and to protect the parties’ proprietary information.
To the best of Tulane’ knowledge, the 13 recovered animals remain in the possession of their owner and are enroute to their original destination.
Questions regarding the accident or the vehicle involved can be directed to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, and questions regarding the animals involved can be directed to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Tulane University
Anyone who sees one of the monkeys can call the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office or 1-800-BE-SMART.
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