The future of Melios Zoo remains uncertain despite a court ruling confirming that the facility has been operating without a renewed zoo licence since 2018.
The issue returned to the spotlight following the escape of a bear from the premises on Saturday night, prompting renewed scrutiny of why the facility has not yet been shut down and exposing disagreements among authorities over who is responsible for enforcing the closure.
Court ruling confirmed illegality
On 18 May 2026, the Court of Appeal upheld an earlier Nicosia District Court ruling that the facility had been operating without a renewed licence since March 2018.
The licence related specifically to the operation of a zoo. Following inspections by the Veterinary Services, the licence was not renewed because the facility failed to meet the required conditions. The previous licence had expired in September 2017.
Police say role is limited
Police became involved following Saturday's bear escape but say their role in the wider issue is limited.
Speaking on CyBC, a police spokesperson said the Nicosia District Local Government Organisation (EOA) had filed an application with the Administrative Court seeking closure of the premises, but that police had never been formally notified of the order in order to take action.
The spokesperson described the police role as "supportive" rather than primary.
While authorities differ on responsibility, all parties agree on one central issue: what will happen to the animals if the facility closes.
Both the police and the EOA have indicated that once a suitable location is secured for the animals, they will be in a position to proceed with closure measures and, ultimately, demolition of the structures.
Responsibility for the animals themselves falls largely on the Veterinary Services.
Owner disputes zoo licensing claims
The facility's owner, Menelaos Menelaou, said in media appearances that he does not hold a zoo licence and has never operated under one.
According to Menelaou, when he applied for a zoo licence in 2012, the requirements imposed by the Nicosia district administration were unrealistic. He therefore proceeded under a licence to operate as a farm.
He also acknowledged that the site does not have a building permit, which is why intervention by the Nicosia EOA remains pending.
Menelaou further defended the importation of wild animals, arguing that, as the owner of a pet shop, he possesses permits allowing the commercial import of animals.
Veterinary Services under scrutiny
Veterinary Services, the authority expected to play a key role in determining the future of the animals, have come under criticism for what opponents describe as limited action.
Director Christodoulos Pipis said the issue involves multiple government departments and agencies rather than falling solely under the remit of Veterinary Services.
Pipis and Menelaou clashed during a television appearance on Omega TV, with the zoo owner accusing the official of pursuing personal disputes against him.
Pipis, in turn, accused Menelaou of irregularities relating to the importation of wild animals into Cyprus.
Inspection planned this month
After a day of public statements from various agencies, Pipis later told CNA that the Nicosia EOA will inspect the facility this month and move forward with implementing the court ruling.
The inspection is expected to focus on the structures earmarked for demolition, while Veterinary Services will ask Menelaou to identify where the animals can be relocated before deciding on the next steps.
The site, which officially operates as a farm, houses a number of wild animals including bears, hyenas and a tiger.
Because the animals have been raised in captivity, authorities say they cannot be released into the wild.
