Former lab monkey finds new home at NJ animal refuge after surviving truck crash

FORKED RIVER, N.J. -- An animal refuge in Ocean County, New Jersey, is giving a former laboratory animal a new home after it survived a truck crash.

Forrest, a rhesus macaque, was one of 21 monkeys being transported for biomedical research when the truck carrying them overturned on an interstate in Mississippi.

Several monkeys escaped as a result of the crash. Of the three remaining escapees, Forrest was the last and only one to survive. He was safely recovered after spending nearly a week on the run.

Due to him spending more time outside of the facility than anticipated, Forrest could not return to the research program. Given his situation, the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge stepped in and offered Forrest lifelong sanctuary at their site in Forked River.

When Forrest first arrived at the refuge, he had no name and only a tattooed identification number. Since then, he has steadily acclimated to his new home in the refuge's monkey house.

According to refuge officials, Forrest has gradually built trust with his caretakers and fellow monkeys and has discovered some of his new favorite foods, including grapes.

Forrest has even begun vocalizing, which officials say is a positive sign that he is becoming more comfortable and confident in his new surroundings.