Melios Zoo owner defends farm status after bear incident and calls for intervention

Nicosia, Cyprus. A bear escaped at Melios Zoo on Saturday, although owner Menelaos Menelaou disputes that account, saying it remained within the enclosure. The establishment houses wild animals but has operated under a farm classification for 26 years.

Owner disputes account of escape

Speaking to Sigma TV, Menelaou said the bear had been out of its cage for approximately an hour, starting at about 7pm on Saturday, once visitors had departed. He maintained that it had not left the enclosure and said police were summoned as a precaution.

Menelaou said the establishment was licensed as a farm rather than a zoo and had held that classification since opening in 2000.

He accused the veterinary services of giving ministers and commissioners misleading information about the establishment’s status for more than 20 years. Calling for intervention by the president and attorney-general, he said the animals had entered Cyprus legally and had undergone inspections.

Commissioner calls for enforcement

On Sunday, Animal Welfare Commissioner Elias Myrianthous said authorities should have already implemented court decisions against Melios Zoo concerning animal welfare legislation and regulations.

According to Myrianthous, the discovery of the bear outside its cage on Saturday evening substantiated every concern raised over the years. He urged authorities to carry out inspections more systematically.

Melios Zoo and the state have been embroiled in a dispute for years. A court confirmed on April 9 that the park had violated safety requirements and lacked a valid permit.