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With a $1 million price tag � a price that exceeds the original construction price for the entire zoo � the Greenville Zoo has added an impressive new exhibit to its holdings, and, in the process, created a new home for members of two of the world�s endangered species. The Greenville Zoo, located on a 14-acre site in Cleveland Park, has created a beautiful natural habitat, complete with bamboo, carved, rock-like pillars, and tropical plants for the enjoyment of zoo visitors. The new habitat is now home to Mia and Chelsea, a male and female Bornean orangutan. In a separate area within the same exhibit is an Amur leopard.
With only an estimated fifty cats remaining in the wild, the Amur leopard is one of the most endangered species on Earth. About 200 Amur leopards are in captivity, primarily in North America and in Europe. While most Amur leopards live 10-15 years in the wild, they are known to live approximately 20 years in captivity. Loss of habitat, conflict with humans, and reduction in the population of their prey (hares, deer, and badgers) have led to the cats� dramatic reduction in the wild. Like other leopards, Amur leopards are extremely fast runners and very agile.
The Greenville Zoo is adjacent to two playgrounds, picnic facilities, bike paths, walking paths, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and play area, all within Cleveland Park. For more information on the Greenville Zoo, please call 864-467-4300 or visit their web site, www.greenvillezoo.com.
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The Bornean orangutan is the only great ape from Asia (gorillas and chimpanzees are also members of the great ape family). With a life span up to fifty years, the apes are found in the wild solely on Borneo, a large island in Malaysia. Unlike other great apes, orangutans are solitary by nature; this may be related to their need for large quantities of fruit. Even though they are able to walk upright for short distances, orangutans travel mostly by swinging from one branch to another through well-traveled corridors through the forest canopy. Bornean orangutans do not like to get wet � they are unable to swim, and when it rains, they construct a leaf nest (with a leafy roof) to keep dry. As a result of widespread habitat destruction and hunting, the Bornean orangutan has become an endangered species. 
The Greenville Zoo is open seven days a week (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year�s Day) from 10 AM � 4:30 PM. Gates close at 5 PM. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 3-15; children under 3 receive free admission. 