"It was monkeys everywhere": Journalist recalls going to site of crash where monkeys escaped #shorts

Key Concepts

• Reese's Monkeys: A specific type of monkey, likely used for research purposes.
• Research Lab in Maryland: The intended destination for the monkeys.
• Jasper County, Mississippi: The location where the truck overturned.
• Public Health Threat: The initial justification for euthanizing some of the monkeys.
• Infectious Diseases: The absence of which was later confirmed for the euthanized monkeys.
• Monkeys on the Loose: The situation involving escaped monkeys after the crash.
• Live Bait Traps: A method used by wildlife officials to recapture the escaped monkeys.
• Independent Journalist: An eyewitness who provided an account of the scene.
• Monkey Demeanor: Described as "chill" and "determined."

Incident Overview

A truck transporting 21 Reese's monkeys from Tulane University in New Orleans to a research lab in Maryland overturned in Jasper County, Mississippi. This incident led to the unfortunate euthanization of five monkeys, based on the truck driver's assertion that they posed a public health threat. Subsequent investigations revealed that these monkeys were not infected with any infectious diseases and did not present a public health risk. As of the report, three monkeys remain at large, with wildlife officials actively attempting to recapture them using live bait traps.

Eyewitness Account from Local Journalist

A local independent journalist, who was present at the crash scene, described the event as "something out of the books." He received a call about loose monkeys and initially misunderstood the situation, thinking it was a joke. However, upon realizing the seriousness of the report, he proceeded to the scene.

On-Scene Observations

Upon arriving, the journalist and his companion were initially joking and brought a banana, assuming it would be useful. However, they quickly realized the gravity of the situation and that the monkeys were considered dangerous. The scene was chaotic, with monkeys present everywhere. They observed monkeys in crates, some climbing out of the back, and others loose around the vehicle. The journalist noted that one monkey, about 30-40 feet away, was well-camouflaged and initially overlooked.

Monkey Demeanor

The journalist described two distinct behaviors among the monkeys:

• "Chill" Monkeys: One monkey was observed sitting calmly, watching everything and everyone without much movement.
• "Determined" Monkeys: Another monkey, which crawled out of the back of a crate, was not aggressive but showed a strong determination to escape. This monkey was observed making its way towards the highway, prompting intervention from Mississippi Highway Patrol and game wardens to prevent further escapes and potential accidents.

Wildlife Officials' Response

Fish and wildlife officials are actively engaged in tracking down the three remaining loose monkeys. They are employing live bait traps as a strategy to safely recapture the animals and return them to secure custody.

Conclusion

The incident highlights a series of unfortunate events, from the initial truck overturn to the premature euthanization of monkeys based on unsubstantiated public health concerns. The ongoing efforts to recapture the remaining escaped monkeys underscore the challenges and complexities involved in managing such situations, particularly when the animals are considered potentially dangerous and their behavior is unpredictable. The eyewitness account provides a vivid, albeit unsettling, picture of the immediate aftermath of the crash and the escape of the primates.