File photo of a lion-tailed macaque. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Updated at 8.50pm

TWO MONKEYS HAVE escaped from Belfast Zoo today, and are currently being tracked down by vets and staff members near the city.

The news was confirmed by Belfast Zoo this afternoon.

According to Belfast Live, the zoo are tracking the movements of the animals, and have released this statement:

Two lion-tailed macaques escaped from Belfast Zoo this morning. The two primates in question have been sighted onsite or in close proximity to the zoo. Belfast Zoo staff and the zoo vet are located in these areas and are tracking the movements of the animals.

The two macaque monkeys are still on the loose on Cave Hill – a hill to the West of the city.

BBC Northern Ireland, as you might imagine, are having a field day…

- David Elkin

Read: Well I never… Pharrell’s Happy was the most played song on Irish radio last year

Read: Zayn Malik has left One Direction

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More