Updated 17:30

A monkey who staged a daring escape from Fota Wildfire Park has been returned to his enclosure.

Cheeky Chops - a black and white colobus monkey - escaped his habitat in the park on Tuesday.

There were a number of sightings of the fugitive primate near the park following his escape.

In a statement this evening, the park said its " escape protocol and procedures were immediately implemented" following the breakout - with Cheeky Chops safely returned to his habitat today.

A park spokesperson said the little monkey was kept under constant observation adding that he was eventually coaxed back home "with his favourite treats of boiled potatoes, avocado, peanuts and bananas into a secure holding pen within the Wildlife Park grounds."

He has now been reunited with the other three members of his bachelor group, "who welcomed him back with lots of grooming."

Cheeky Chops, the Colobus monkey who made a daring escape has now been safely returned to his habitat - thanks to all who contacted us!

— Fota Wildlife Park (@fotawildlife) August 25, 2017

The park insisted that at no time was Cheeky Chops in danger - or a threat to any members of the public.

"Colobus Monkeys are originally from the cool mountain forests of Kenya," said the statement. "They eat fruits, vegetables, and willow branches."

"We are constantly reviewing our animal welfare policies here at Fota Wildlife Park, so that we can continue to improve our  animal and visitors’ experiences and ensure that the animals who live here can continue to thrive."