Hongkongers are being urged to keep their eyes peeled for a huge lizard that has gone on the run from Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden.

The water monitor lizard is 1.5 metres long and answers to the name Aberdeen.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Kadoorie said the much-loved resident escaped from a temporary enclosure where he was being treated for a damaged toe.

Aberdeen is believed to have pushed over a wooden panel and then squeezed through a small gap in the fencing, before making his dash for freedom.

The public are urged to report any sightings of the reptile, who has been missing for a week now despite staff efforts to find him. Under no circumstances, however, should people try to apprehend him.

"He is not aggressive but should not be trapped or cornered as he is strong and will try to escape," Kadoorie warned.

It added that Aberdeen has been popular among both staff and visitors since he arrived there eight years ago after being rescued from the illegal pet trade.

"His animal care staff miss him a lot as he has a special character and some of them have known him for a long time," the post said.

It's not known whether Aberdeen is still in the vicinity of the farm near Tai Po or has ventured further afield, being as monitor lizards are known to forage over large distances. There are fears the lizard may be injured or killed on the city's roads.

"Please help us find Aberdeen and bring him home," the farm said, adding that anyone who spots him should contact staff on 2483 7122 or via the email address fauna@kfbg.org.