July 23 (UPI) — A South Carolina zoo revealed the animal whose escape prompted the facility to remain closed Thursday was an Amur leopard.
The Greenville Zoo said on social media that Irina, a 4-year-old Amur leopard, left her enclosure Thursday morning and was loose within the zoo grounds.
The leopard was safely tranquilized about 9:20 a.m. and returned to her enclosure.
The zoo said it would remain closed for the rest of the day Thursday while officials investigate the escape.
The City of Greenville earlier confirmed the Greenville Zoo’s opening would be delayed Thursday morning and Cleveland Park was closed to the public while police and zookeepers attended to the situation.
“Cleveland Park and the Greenville Zoo are temporarily closed while zoo personnel and first responders contain an animal that left its exhibit. The animal is inside the zoo walls. Greenville Police and Firefighters are on scene to keep the public at a safe distance,” the zoo said in a statement provided to WYFF-TV.
Cleveland Park has since reopened.
A parent whose child attends day camp at the zoo received a message Thursday morning reading: “Hello Jr. Zoologist families. We have an emergency at the Greenville Zoo. Children that have been dropped off already are in the Brook’s playground. Please stay away from the zoo. We will update you as soon as possible.”