Part of Chester Zoo had to be closed off this morning after four orangutans escaped from their enclosure while the Duke of Westminster was visiting.

Two female Sumatran orangutans and two of their young offspring made their way out of their enclosed area today (Tuesday, June 28) just after 10am.

A zoo spokesperson confirmed that Subis and her infants Tuti and Siska, as well as fellow female Indah, stayed safely within the zoo’s Monsoon Forest building while primate keepers quickly ushered them back into their enclosure.

Siska the Sumatran orangutan. Tiny Sumatran orangutan Siska with her mum Subis

No visitors were in the vicinity at the time as the building was closed for a private event due to start later in the day, the spokesperson said.

He added: "The Duke of Westminster was here today but obviously not involved in the incident."

Mike Jordan, the zoo's collections director, said: “Subis, Tuti, Siska and Indah were spotted by one of our primate keepers and the team were quickly on hand. Orangutans are extremely curious animals and were being rascals about returning but they’re all now back safe and sound.

“No visitors were in the immediate area but, just to be on the safe side, an area was cordoned off by our emergency response team for a short while until we were sure the family and Indah were back safely with the rest of the group. We’d like to thank those visitors for their patience.”

The Monsoon Forest remains closed for the time being but the rest of the zoo is open as normal.