A monkey that was among three escapees fleeing from a truck accident in Mississippi has been successfully recaptured, authorities confirmed. The vehicle, which was transporting 21 monkeys from Tulane University in New Orleans, overturned on a Mississippi interstate, sparking a search for the missing primates.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office shared the news of the monkey’s recovery via a Facebook post on Sunday.

“This morning, a resident living along Highway 503 near Heidelberg discovered a monkey on their property,” the post read. “The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks was notified, and the monkey is now safely in their custody. Further details are currently unavailable.”

These monkeys were part of a controversial research program funded by the National Institutes of Health. The program has drawn criticism from the White Coat Waste Project, an organization that opposes the use of taxpayer money for animal experimentation.

Following the incident, one of the escaped monkeys was photographed, though it remains uncertain whether it was among the five reportedly “eliminated” by authorities. (Photo courtesy of Scotty Ray Report)

The sheriff’s office said it “eliminated” five of the 40-pound monkeys after the crash. Authorities said the truck’s driver initially warned that the primates were dangerous and required protective gear to handle.

Tulane University told Fox News Digital that the monkeys had recently been examined and were free of disease before leaving the facility.

Monkeys could be seen next to crates after the crash. (Photo courtesy of Scotty Ray Report)

Officials said 13 of the monkeys remained caged during the wreck north of Heidelberg and are now back with their owner, who is transporting them to their intended destination.

Two Rhesus monkeys remain on the loose, with authorities cautioning residents the primates are “aggressive.” (Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi)

Authorities did not release the owner’s identity or the monkeys’ original destination, citing confidentiality agreements.

Tulane University said moving research animals is routine but governed by strict confidentiality agreements to protect the animals’ safety and the parties’ proprietary information.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and local law enforcement are investigating the incident.