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.
