Nicosia authorities await animal relocation plan before proceeding with Melios Zoo demolition

The Nicosia District Self-Government Organization (EOA) has confirmed that the demolition of a theme park in Agioi Trimithias, formerly known as the Melios Zoo, remains on hold. Authorities are currently waiting for a final, secure plan from state services regarding the collection and relocation of the animals living on-site, a process deemed essential before the 2022 court-ordered demolition can be executed.

Following their notification of the original demolition order in mid-2025, the EOA initiated coordination with state authorities and appointed external legal counsel to file criminal proceedings for non-compliance. In February 2026, the organization requested a timeline from the Ministry of Agriculture to facilitate the operation. However, the Ministry reportedly postponed coordination efforts to prioritize managing a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus.

Legal proceedings intensified after the Supreme Court rejected an appeal regarding the property. The EOA maintains that it is prepared to move forward as soon as the animal welfare concerns are addressed by the competent authorities, ensuring that the relocation is carried out safely and effectively.