A bear that reportedly escaped from Melios Zoo Park near Paleometocho has been safely returned to its enclosure, police confirmed on Saturday, as Animal Party Cyprus called for the facility’s immediate closure and the zoo denied that the animal had left its premises.
The incident prompted a police response and an urgent warning to residents of Paleometocho and neighbouring communities.
According to a police update, the zoo’s owner located and secured the bear before returning it safely to its enclosure.
Police confirm bear has been secured
In a statement, police said they had been informed on Saturday evening, 10 October, by the person responsible for a facility in the Kokkinotrimithia–Agioi Trimithias area of Nicosia district that a bear had escaped from the premises.
Officers were mobilised to deal with the incident.
Police said the person responsible for the facility subsequently secured the bear and safely returned it to the area where it was kept.
Following the animal’s return, police said there was no longer any reason for public concern.
Investigations are continuing.
Animal Party demands zoo’s closure
Animal Party Cyprus expressed outrage over the incident, calling for the immediate and permanent closure of Melios Zoo.
In a statement, the party said it had contacted the Paleometocho community leader, who confirmed that the bear had escaped from its enclosure before being returned to the facility.
The party argued that the incident had placed both public safety and the animal’s life at serious risk.
It also questioned why the zoo continued to operate despite previous court proceedings concerning its licensing status.
According to Animal Party Cyprus, the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by the zoo’s owner on 18 May 2026, upholding his conviction by the Nicosia District Court.
The party said the court had confirmed that the facility was operating illegally, with a licence that had expired on 25 September 2017 because the necessary regulatory requirements had not been met.
The claims concerning the court ruling and the facility’s licensing status were made by Animal Party Cyprus and have not been independently verified.
Criticism of state authorities
The party strongly criticised the government and Veterinary Services, accusing them of failing to act despite the legal proceedings involving the zoo.
It rejected arguments that continuing court cases had prevented the authorities from intervening, describing such explanations as unacceptable following the Court of Appeal’s decision.
The party questioned what Veterinary Services had done to safeguard the welfare of the animals and ensure appropriate living conditions.
It also warned that the continued operation of the zoo posed risks to residents of Paleometocho and surrounding communities.
Animal Party Cyprus called for urgent action, urging the ministers of Agriculture and Justice to intervene personally and ensure that court decisions were implemented without further delay.
It also demanded that police launch an investigation into the circumstances of the bear’s escape.
The party called on the relevant authorities to permanently close the facility and arrange for its animals to be transferred safely to suitable, approved shelters.
“The time for tolerance is over. The state must demonstrate whether it is governed by its laws or by inaction towards those who break them,” the party said.
“Close Melios Zoo now!”
Melios Zoo denies bear left its premises
Melios Zoo disputed claims that the bear had escaped beyond the boundaries of the park.
In its own statement, management described the incident as isolated and unfortunate, explaining that one of its two bears had temporarily left its enclosure while the facility was closed to visitors.
“We would like to inform the public that an isolated and unfortunate incident occurred, during which one of our two bears temporarily left its enclosure outside visiting hours,” the zoo said.
“We wish to clarify that the animal did not at any point escape beyond the boundaries of our park.”
Management said staff responded immediately and notified the relevant authorities, who responded promptly.
According to the zoo, the owner returned the bear safely to its enclosure without assistance from any authority and without anyone being placed in danger.
The zoo also said police had carried out a full inspection of the premises and confirmed that everything was safe and under control.
“The safety of our visitors and the welfare of the animals in our care always remain our priority,” the statement said.
The zoo’s account differs from the initial police report, which said the person responsible for the facility had reported that a bear had escaped from the premises. The police statement did not clarify whether the animal had crossed the zoo’s external boundaries.
Earlier warning to Paleometocho residents
Earlier on Saturday evening, Paleometocho Community Council issued an urgent announcement advising residents of the village and neighbouring areas to exercise particular caution.
The council warned that the animal could pose a danger to public safety and urged residents not to approach, chase or attempt to trap it.
Residents were also advised to keep children and pets in safe areas as a precaution.
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Bear returned to Melios Zoo as animal welfare party demands closure of facility
