Court orders controversial zoo shuttered
A zoo in the Nicosia district seemed headed for definitive closure on Thursday, after a court ruling reconfirming that the facility was in breach of safety regulations and was operating without a valid permit.
The case concerns Melios Zoo Park, located in Ayioi Trimithias.
It had previously faced shuttering years ago due to legal issues, license revocation, and controversies regarding animal welfare.
A prior court ruling had found the zoo in violation of the law.
The owner, Menelaos Menelaou – or ‘Melios’ – appealed that decision with the Supreme Constitutional Court, which found against him and upheld the previous judgment.
But in a post on social media also on Thursday, the owner claimed the zoo remains open for business.
“Thank you for your concern,” he wrote. “All day long, people have been calling me, asking about the announcements in the media. I’d like to say that my farm is operating normally, as it has since 2000.”
Meantime the Greens and the Animal Party issued a joint statement welcoming the denouement to the legal case.
They said they had been highlighting the issue of the zoo for years, raising concerns over the facility’s legality as well as the welfare of the animals there.
“For many years the case of Melios Zoo Park was an open wound for those defending the rights of animals. Today’s decision sends a clear message: illegalities, violations of the operating terms, and the undermining of the wellbeing of animals can no longer be tolerated.”
However the two parties also demanded answers from the minister of agriculture as to the day after:
“What will be the fate of the animals at the zoo after its closure?”
The parties said they are ready to assist in any way possible – whether the animals are to be transferred to another site in Cyprus or abroad.