An Egyptian cobra (not the one seen in this photo) has escaped from its enclosure at a New York zoo. (Wikimedia Commons/John Walker)

The reptile exhibit at the Bronx Zoo in New York will be closed until further notice after a cobra escaped its enclosure.

The adolescent Egyptian cobra went missing Friday afternoon, officials from the Wildlife Conservation Society - which runs the zoo - said in a release.

"Based on our knowledge of the natural history and behaviour of snakes, we know they seek closed-in spaces and are not comfortable in open areas. We are confident that the snake, about 20 inches long, is contained in a non-public, isolation area within the building," the release said.

The Reptile House will remain closed until further notice, officials said.