In Mississippi, several monkeys escaped from a truck following an accident on Tuesday, raising concerns about their potential dangers. The incident occurred in Jasper County when the vehicle carrying the animals overturned, leading to some monkeys breaking free. Initial reports suggested that these monkeys might carry various diseases, including herpes and COVID-19. However, Tulane University, the institution responsible for the monkeys, later clarified that the animals were not infectious.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff”s Department, the driver of the truck had informed local authorities that the monkeys were aggressive and posed a threat to humans. In response to this information, law enforcement took necessary precautions, which included the destruction of some of the escaped monkeys. The sheriff”s department noted that the driver advised that personal protective equipment (PPE) was required for handling the animals.
Rhesus macaques, the species involved, are medium-sized primates that can pose a threat if they decide to attack. However, it remains uncertain whether the escapees would have acted aggressively. The sheriff”s department stated on social media that each monkey weighed approximately 40 pounds, which is unusually large for a rhesus macaque, suggesting a possible overestimation unless the animals were overweight. Typically, male rhesus macaques weigh around 17 pounds.
While aggression is a natural behavior among macaques, they typically do not direct such aggression towards humans. They often engage in violent confrontations with each other, aiming for vulnerable areas. The New England Primate Conservancy notes that these fights can be quite ferocious.
Rhesus macaques are known for their wide geographic distribution across Asia and frequently come into contact with humans. They are often considered pests due to their tendency to steal food. Incidents of biting or attacking humans generally stem from poor handling practices or their habituation to human environments. Monkeys raised by humans can exhibit behaviors not typically seen in wild or properly cared-for captive monkeys.
Despite concerns, there are no reports of the escaped monkeys attacking humans before they were killed. Tulane University confirmed that the monkeys had not been exposed to any infectious agents prior to their escape. Many questions remain unanswered regarding the ownership, transportation, and intended use of the monkeys.
Rhesus macaques are commonly used in laboratory testing, contributing to significant scientific advancements, including vaccine development. However, the use of monkeys in research has attracted controversy. In 2023, numerous scientists advocated for an end to such practices.
This incident is not unprecedented; lab monkeys have escaped before. Notably, in 2020, a group of macaques in India managed to escape and even attacked a lab assistant. In earlier decades, a riverboat captain”s attempt to create a tourist attraction with macaques failed when the monkeys swam away from their designated island.
