LACEY – When a truck carrying 21 monkeys crashed in Mississippi, news about it came out almost as fast as the monkeys fleeing the truck.
The news cycle spins quickly, though, and soon those animals left the public discourse – but that didn’t mean that their story was over.
The truck was carrying 21 rhesus macaques for biomedical research, officials said. Eight of them escaped the truck and five of those died soon after.
That left just three escapees to be safely recovered. The last one that was caught spent about a week on the run. He will now call Popcorn Park Animal Refuge his home.
He arrived with NI 62 written on his chest, but was given a new name for his new life. Forest is now settling into his new environment, climbing around, and exploring ropes and toys.
Every day, he grows more comfortable in his surroundings and more at ease in his safe and peaceful home where he will receive top notch medical care and nutrition.
“Caring for Forrest is a reminder of why our work at Popcorn Park is so important,” said Cory Scott, Executive Director. “We are honored to provide a safe and peaceful sanctuary for animals like Forrest, who have endured extraordinary circumstances and now deserve a life of care and comfort.”
Veterinarians said he had a small wound on the bridge of his nose from his escape but otherwise received a clean bill of health.
However, due to his extended time outside, he was not able to return to the research facility and so they sought to find him a permanent home.
On Giving Tuesday, park officials encouraged supporters to contribute to Forrest’s ongoing care. Donations help provide nutritious meals, medical attention, enrichment, and a safe, peaceful environment for Forrest and the other animals at the Refuge and the Associated Humane Societies. Contributions can be made online at AHSCares.org.
