Mississippi Woman Shoots Escaped Research Monkey to Protect Her Children Following Transport Accident

Nov 03, 2025 10:49 am CST

A Mississippi mother shot and killed one of three Rhesus monkeys that escaped after a transport truck overturned on Interstate 59. Jessica Bond Ferguson acted to protect her five children when she encountered the primate near her home, amid concerns about potential diseases. The monkeys, destined for biomedical research, were confirmed pathogen-free by Tulane University officials despite initial warnings about health risks.