I know you all remember the truck carrying 21 research monkeys that flipped on Interstate 59 in Jasper County, Mississippi several weeks ago.
Well, we have a wonderful update about one of those escaped monkeys!
Image Source: Jasper Co. SO
A New Jersey rescue named “Popcorn Park Animal Refuge” shared on Facebook that they have one of the rhesus macaque who was on that truck!
His name is now Forrest. He was one of the 21 monkeys being transported for biomedical research.
Three of the monkeys escaped and were on the run in Jasper County, and Forrest was the last and only one who survived the dramatic fiasco that made national headlines.
He was safely recovered after a week on the run in Mississippi…and let me tell you, he is living his BEST life now.
Popcorn Park Animal Refuge explained that Forrest could not return to the research program because he had spent so much time outside of the facility. That is when the rescue stepped up and decided to offer him lifelong sanctuary.
Popcorn Park Animal Refuge is a sanctuary for animals who “faced desperate circumstances and/or death”. The refuge was started in 1977 in Forked River, Lacey Township, New Jersey. They are a non-profit sanctuary and have over 200 animals including pigs, bears, reptiles, and monkeys.
You can read more about their mission and how you can support them on their website.
“Popcorn Park became a permanent home to exotics, wildlife, farm animals, and birds who suffered abandonment, cruelty, injury, illness, handicap, exploitation, old age, inappropriate ownership, or who could not be safely returned to the wild.”
The animal refuge said when Forrest arrived at their property, he didn’t have a name, just a tattooed identification number that said “NI 62”. They quickly gave this handsome guy a name and welcomed him to his forever home.
Forrest is now living life in the refuge’s “Monkey House”. He no longer has to worry about being shot at or captured by terrified residents.
He is surrounded by other rescue monkeys and wonderful caretakers. Day by day, Forrest is slowly learning that he can trust them.
Refuge workers mentioned that as Forrest seems to be getting more and more comfortable with them, his list of favorite foods is growing, with grapes being at the top of his list.
They also said Forrest has recently started “vocalizing”. The refuge said this is a sign that he is feeling more comfortable and happy in his new home.
If you want to contribute to Popcorn Park Animal Refuge and the work they do caring for these animals, click here to see how you can get involved!