Authorities described the animals as Rhesus monkeys, weighing around 16 pounds each — a species widely used in biomedical research. According to Tulane, the monkeys were being housed at its National Biomedical Research Center in New Orleans, though the university emphasized they were not owned or transported by Tulane.
Tulane and Wildlife Officials Respond
Following the crash, Tulane officials issued a statement confirming collaboration with Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, and local law enforcement. “Our top priority is ensuring public safety and transparency,” the university said.
Residents have been warned not to approach or attempt to capture the remaining monkey. As of Wednesday, search efforts were ongoing in the wooded area near the crash site.
Local wildlife experts said the incident highlights the need for stricter animal transport regulations, particularly for laboratory animals. “This could have ended far worse,” one official remarked. “Luckily, there was no confirmed health risk.”
