Hungary orders investigation into zebras linked to Orban circle

Hungary is investigating the handling of a herd of zebras that became a symbol of alleged corruption and excess under former prime minister Viktor Orban, Environment Minister Gajdos Laszlo said Friday.

The animals became a recurring reference at anti-government demonstrations after they were filmed in late 2024 in fields near Hatvanpuszta, a lavish manor that formally belongs to Orban's father. The land and the herd are owned by the Val-volgye Hunting Association of Lorinc Meszaros, described in the report as one of Hungary's richest people and a close Orban associate.

Gajdos said on Facebook that the way the zebras were kept amounted to irresponsible animal husbandry. He said official documents showed total chaos around 17 zebras kept on land near Bicske, about 35 kilometres west of Budapest.

The minister said most of the animals had no proof of origin, much of the paperwork was created after the fact, and some animals had no paperwork at all. He said one animal's existence became known only after it escaped with two others during the winter because of inadequate fencing and then froze to death.

Gajdos, a former zookeeper, said he had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the animals.

Last year, Meszaros's Val-volgye Hunting Association said the herd was kept in line with applicable laws and had the necessary permits. It also said all exotic animals on its property had been rescued from poor conditions.

Orban's 16-year rule ended when his party lost an election in April. New Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who campaigned on a promise to crack down on corruption, has launched internal audits and investigations into alleged wrongdoing.