Bear escapes enclosure at Melios Zoo in Nicosia district

On October 10, 2026, a security alert was issued in the Nicosia district after a bear escaped its enclosure at the Melios Zoo in Paliometocho. Local community councils, including those of Paliometocho and Agioi Trimithias, urged residents to remain cautious, avoid the area, and keep children and pets secured. Police were notified, and the incident caused significant public concern regarding safety and the facility's regulatory status.

Contradictory reports emerged regarding the scope of the escape: while local authorities and the Animal Party of Cyprus confirmed the animal had left its confinement area, the zoo's management issued a statement claiming the bear only exited its immediate sleeping quarters and never breached the park's outer perimeter. The bear was eventually returned to its enclosure by the owner without incident. The incident has reignited criticism, as the facility has been operating without a valid zoo license since 2017, a decision upheld by the Supreme Constitutional Court in April 2026.