Police and prosecutors raid Łączna zoo near Wałbrzych, four people detained
Police, prosecutors and experts entered the private Łączna zoo in Lower Silesia on the morning of Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Four people were detained, and a decision on removing the animals is expected soon.
Raid at the zoo
Police and prosecutors entered the private ZOO Łączna, near Mieroszów in Lower Silesia, on the morning of Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Prosecutors, police and experts were at the site to check whether the animals were neglected. Four people were detained for clarification, among them staff members and the owner, Marcin Nowaczyk, according to RMF FM. Radio Wrocław reports that officers carried out activities in the owner's flat, where he was handcuffed. Police and prosecutors were not providing information at the time of reporting, and journalists were not admitted to the grounds.
The allegations and the complaint
The inquiry was triggered by a notification from animal protection organisations. Radio Wrocław reports that two foundations filed it, and that the Monte Cane foundation is represented by lawyer Sara Balcerowicz, who listed the alleged failings as keeping animals in unsuitable conditions, failing to meet species-specific needs, not providing enough food and not ensuring proper veterinary care. The Wałbrzych district prosecutor's office is running the cruelty case, according to the same report. Mariusz Pindera, spokesman for the Świdnica regional prosecutor's office, told RMF FM that a decision on a possible evacuation of the animals would come soon. He said no one had yet been questioned or charged, and the prosecution has said it is too early to speak of charges.
The zoo has responded to the planned action. In a statement it posted on social media on Monday, 12 October, it said:
We have received information that an incomprehensible, organised action to remove animals from Łącznej is to begin tomorrow first thing in the morning, from a zoo approved by the General Directorate for Environmental Protection and subject to periodic inspections by the regional directorate for environmental protection.
Background to the case
The publicly reported case dates to 18 May 2026, when police and prosecutors first entered the zoo after a notification from an animal protection organisation. Officers secured medical and breeding documentation, a zoologist took part, and visitor access was temporarily restricted. Afterwards the zoo's director, Marcin Nowaczyk, said the zoo had operated legally since 2012 and that its animals were regularly monitored by veterinarians. Earlier information cited by Wałbrzych dla Was put the number of animals at about 800. The zoo is known for open enclosures with views of the Sudety mountains, where visitors can feed and stroke gentler species such as lemurs, while tigers, camels and wolves are also on show.
- Police and prosecutors enter the zoo after an animal protection organisation's notification
- Zoo posts a statement on social media about a planned action to remove its animals
- Police, prosecutors and experts enter the zoo, and four people are detained
What happens next
Radio Wrocław reported that vehicles for specialist animal transport were expected at the zoo around 10-11 o'clock on Tuesday. Whether any animals will be removed has not been decided. Prosecutors said the key steps will be a site inspection, consultations with a veterinarian and further checks.
