Lefkoşa court closes Melios Zoo — appeal dismissed

On April 10, 2026, the Supreme Constitutional Court rejected the appeal of the "Melios Zoo Park" management and upheld the decision to close it. The information concerns the zoo located in the Ayio Trimithia area of Lefkoşa in Northern Cyprus.

Earlier, the Administrative Court had revoked several permits, citing violations related to the issuance of town planning permits, temporary planning permits, and operating licenses. The zoo management appealed to the Supreme Constitutional Court, but their complaints were dismissed; furthermore, the court ordered them to pay 4,000 euros in legal costs.

In its decision, the court pointed out the unauthorized expansion of the zoo's territory onto state and private lands, non-compliance with approved plans, and insufficient safety measures in the housing and replacement of animal species, including large predators. According to the Fileleftheros newspaper, the Veterinary Services had already suspended the zoo's operations in 2017 for non-compliance with animal protection and welfare laws.

For residents and visitors, this means that the facility is closed and its activities have been suspended by court order. Further actions regarding the care and relocation of the animals, as well as possible legal consequences, will be officially announced—please follow statements from local authorities.