Monkey from Mississippi highway crash finds permanent home at New Jersey refuge

A rhesus macaque that evaded capture for several days following a truck accident on a rural Mississippi highway earlier this year has now found a permanent home at a wildlife refuge in New Jersey.

Forrest, a young adult rhesus macaque, was one of 21 monkeys being transported for biomedical purposes when their truck overturned on October 28 on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg. The crash resulted in the deaths of five monkeys during the initial search conducted by law enforcement.

Body camera footage from officers captured the chaotic aftermath as monkeys fled from their wooden crates, darting across the grassy median and approaching vehicles traveling on the interstate. Forrest, along with two others, avoided capture at the scene. The two other monkeys were later killed by civilians claiming to protect their families, while Forrest managed to remain free for approximately a week before being spotted by a nearby resident.

Workers from the transportation company eventually captured Forrest. Authorities had previously warned residents to avoid approaching the rhesus monkeys, citing their aggressive behavior.

Forrest was recently moved to the nonprofit Popcorn Park Animal Refuge in Lacey Township, New Jersey. Officials report that he has gradually adjusted to his new environment and developed trust with his caretakers. His daily diet now includes commercial animal kibble, grapes, and peanuts.

The refuge is currently seeking donations to support the ongoing care and well-being of Forrest.

Author: Lucas Grant