Leopard from Greenville Zoo Tranquilized after Enclosure Escape
Incident Date:
07/23/2026
Location:
Greenville, SC - USA
Facility Name:
Greenville Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Big Cats
Animal:
Leopard
Animal disposition:
Recaptured
Summary:
GREENVILLE, SC – A four-year-old Amur leopard named Irina has been captured after escaping her enclosure and was loose within the zoo grounds at the Greenville Zoo in South Carolina. City staff and Greenville Police responded. A perimeter was established according to zoo emergency protocols. Zoo staff and guests were evacuated to strategic locations as a precaution.
At approximately 9:20, Greenville Zoo emergency response teams were able to successfully tranquilize Irina. After a precautionary second injection, she was transported back to the secured leopard den.
Action take by Born Free USA:
Notes: