Mississippi homeowner kills escaped Rhesus monkey that was used in research.

In an unsettling incident on Sunday, a Mississippi homeowner shot and killed one of three escaped research monkeys, expressing concern for the safety of her children. The event unfolded after the primates escaped from an overturned transport truck, which had been carrying them from a biomedical research facility to a Florida center.

The alert came early Sunday when the woman’s 16-year-old son informed her of a monkey sighting in their yard. Acting swiftly, she retrieved a firearm and ventured outside. Upon spotting the animal approximately 60 feet away, she fired shots, ultimately striking the monkey. Concerned about the potential health risks posed by the animals, she highlighted the urgency of the situation, mentioning reports that the monkeys carried infectious diseases.

The local law enforcement agency, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that a homeowner had indeed found a monkey and subsequently handed it over to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks for further action.

This incident is rooted in an event that transpired earlier when a 56-year-old driver, transporting 21 Rhesus macaques, lost control of his Chevrolet Silverado pickup on Interstate 59. The truck overturned, resulting in a chaotic scene where several monkeys fled the site, leading to a swift response from local authorities. Although the driver and his 34-year-old passenger were unharmed, reports indicate that many of the monkeys were lost in the incident. Following the escape, law enforcement officials reported that the animals could potentially pose health threats to the surrounding community, as they had been described as “aggressive” and possibly infected with various diseases, including hepatitis C and herpes.

Efforts to locate and contain the escaped monkeys resulted in the euthanization of all but three of the animals. The Mississippi Highway Patrol pointed to the quick mobilization of wildlife officials and deputies in assuring public safety.

Tulane University, the institution from which the monkeys originated, clarified that these primates were not under its direct care during the transport. In a statement, the university emphasized that they routinely manage primate research but were not involved in this particular incident.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this event, officials have reiterated their commitment to public safety and the responsible handling of research animals.