Mystery deepens as zebras dead at estate linked to Hungary’s richest man: authorities were deceived

Fresh details have emerged in the controversial case of the zebras kept near Hatvanpuszta at a property linked to Hungary’s wealthiest businessman, Lőrinc Mészáros. According to information released by the Fejér County Government Office, three zebras died during the winter, but the authorities were only notified several months later, leading to fines and an ongoing official investigation.

The case has attracted significant public attention after anti-corruption activist and former opposition politician Ákos Hadházy — who is a veterinarian originally — repeatedly raised concerns about the welfare of the exotic animals and questioned how they were being kept.

Authorities confirm delayed reporting and impose fines

According to information obtained by Telex from the Fejér County Government Office, the Vál-völgye Hunting Association—an organisation linked to the Mészáros business group—reported on 4 May that three zebras had died.

The association claimed the animals died between 9 January and the final week of January due to exceptionally cold weather. However, because the deaths were reported months after they allegedly occurred, officials said they were forced to rely solely on the hunting association’s own account of events.

The government office stated it does not know why the notification was delayed, adding that determining the reason was outside the scope of the administrative procedure. The hunting association was fined HUF 800,000 (approximately EUR 2,250) for failing to report the deaths within the legally required eight-day deadline.

A further HUF 105,000 (appr. EUR 295) fine was imposed after investigators found the zebra carcasses had not been handed over to an authorised animal by-product disposal facility. Instead, the association said they had been buried in a special disposal pit originally established as part of African swine fever control measures.

Fourth zebra death under investigation

The authorities also confirmed that a fourth zebra death has since been reported. According to the government office, the hunting association notified officials on 24 June that another zebra had died. The circumstances surrounding that death remain under investigation, and no official conclusions have yet been announced.

Criminal investigation launched after repeated complaints

Former independent MP Ákos Hadházy had previously filed multiple reports with the authorities after observing that fewer zebras appeared in photographs and videos taken at the estate over time.

His first complaint was dismissed by police, while a subsequent report resulted in supplementary investigative steps. Eventually, police opened a criminal investigation against an unknown perpetrator on suspicion of failing to comply with legal obligations related to the keeping of dangerous animals. The investigation remains ongoing.

Hadházy questions official explanation

Following Telex’s latest report, Hadházy published a Facebook post expressing scepticism about the hunting association’s explanation. He said he had received reports as early as December alleging that a “zebra hunt” was planned near Felcsút, although he acknowledged he had been unable to verify those claims at the time.

The politician also argued that allowing zebras to freeze to death—if that is indeed what happened—could itself amount to animal cruelty. He further criticised the authorities for allegedly accepting the explanation regarding the burial of the carcasses without exhuming them for further examination.

Hadházy also reiterated that questions remain about how the exotic animals originally arrived at the estate. He said he possesses additional information regarding their origins but intends to wait for the official investigation before making further allegations publicly. He added that he plans to seek clarification from the relevant minister.

It is important to note that these allegations have not been substantiated by the ongoing investigation, and no evidence has been presented publicly to support claims beyond those already confirmed by the authorities.

That’s how you do it: Hungary’s richest reshaped by the Orbán era, Mészáros’ wealth surges by 284,400% in 15 years!

Zebras have been kept at the estate for years

The hunting association has reportedly kept zebras for around nine years. Its first zebra, named Pilla, was acquired in May 2017, while nine additional zebras—including Bolka, Bendegúz, Lolka Pacsi, Pizsi, Pulcsi, Szuszi, Tihamér and Zsebi—were added in May 2024.

Photographs previously published by Hadházy also appeared to show that at least two zebra foals had been born at the site. Under Hungarian regulations, owners of exotic animals must report both the death and the birth of such animals to the authorities. Young animals must also be officially identified before reaching one year of age and issued with equine passports.

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