A monkey has escaped from a zoo in the Scottish Highlands as staff warn members of the public not to approach it.

The Japanese macaque is on the loose after it found a way out of its enclosure at the Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie.

The monkey was reportedly sighted in the nearby village of Kincraig, hanging onto garden fences and taking nuts from a bird feeder.

A team has been formed in an attempt to recapture the animal, according to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which runs the park.

Darren McGarry, head of living collections at RZSS said: "We can confirm one of our Japanese macaques escaped from its enclosure this morning.

"Our charity has set up a team who are working to secure the monkey safely and as quickly as possible.

"If members of the public encounter the macaque they should contact comms@rzss.org.uk with more information and do not approach it."

According to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Japanese macaques - also known as the snow monkey - are the most northerly living non-human primate.