The RZSS team are trying to recapture the animal.

A charity-run zoo has launched a hunt for an escaped animal in the Scottish Highlands. 

A Japanese Macaque - also known as a Snow Monkey - went missing from the Highland Wildlife Park. 

Villagers were warned after the monkey was spotted in nearby Kincraig, with a team from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) now trying to find and recapture the animal.

The RZSS confirmed the animal had escaped on Sunday January 28, with suggestions it could have been fleeing a fight during breeding season.

Darren McGarry, head of living collections at RZSS said, “A team of our charity’s expert keepers are patrolling the village today in order to locate and return the macaque that escaped yesterday. 

“We are asking anyone who spots him to please call 07933928377 or email comms@rzss.org.uk with information. Although we don’t expect the monkey to be a threat to the public or pet animals, he should not be approached.

“We are doing everything we can to locate the macaque and are in talks with a drone company to help in this process. 

“Locals are being encouraged to bring in any food that is kept outside, such as food waste bins and bird feeders to encourage the monkey to return to the park once he is hungry.”