Escaped bear sparks debate over Melios Zoo operations in Cyprus

A bear escaped from its enclosure at Melios Zoo in Agioi Trimithias, Cyprus, several days ago before being located nearby. The incident has drawn sharp criticism regarding the facility's legality and the state's oversight of wild animal enclosures.

Christodoulos Pipis, Director of the Veterinary Services, confirmed that the zoo’s operating license expired in 2017. He alleged that the facility features unauthorized developments, illegal fencing on state-owned land, and failure to comply with urban planning directives. Despite these ongoing violations, the park continues to operate, leading to public frustration and calls for the government to either force a closure and relocate the animals to international sanctuaries or officially clarify the park's status.

This incident is the latest development in a long-standing controversy spanning at least 20 years, characterized by a cycle of complaints, warnings, and bureaucratic stagnation. Critics argue that the situation highlights systemic failures, questioning how the import and husbandry of such wildlife are permitted under current regulations. Calls are now mounting for legislators and technocrats to address legal loopholes and determine a final resolution for the welfare of the animals involved.