Bear escapes from Melios Zoo and is safely recaptured

On October 10, 2026, authorities in Nicosia, Cyprus, issued an urgent alert after a bear reportedly escaped from the Melios Zoo Park, located in Agioi Trimithias. The community councils of Paliometocho and surrounding areas released emergency warnings, advising residents to exercise extreme caution, refrain from approaching or trapping the animal, and keep children and pets secured. Locals were instructed to contact the Kokkinotrimithia Police Station immediately if the bear was spotted.

The situation was resolved quickly as authorities confirmed the bear had been located by the zoo owner shortly after the initial alarm. The animal was found in close proximity to the zoo premises and was safely returned to its enclosure. While reports initially varied regarding the state of confirmation from official sources, the police later declared the incident concluded, stating that the bear was secure and the threat to the community had been neutralized.