File photo of Hungarian ex-leader Viktor Orban
Budapest: Hungary is investigating the "total chaos" surrounding a herd of zebras that became a symbol of alleged corruption and excesses under nationalist ex-leader Viktor Orban, the environment minister said Friday.
References to the animals became a mainstay of anti-government demonstrations, after the zebras were filmed in late 2024 roaming the fields near a lavish manor called Hatvanpuszta, which formally belongs to Orban's father.
The land and the herd are owned by the hunting association of Lorinc Meszaros, one of Hungary's richest people and a close Orban associate.
The way the zebras have been kept is "irresponsible animal husbandry", Enviroment Minister Gajdos Laszlo said on Facebook.
Official documentation revealed "total chaos" surrounding the 17 zebras that were kept on land near the town of Bicske, 35 kilometres (20 miles) west of Budapest.
"The vast majority of them have no proof of origin. Most of the paperwork was drawn up retrospectively... there are some animals about which we know absolutely nothing -- they have no paperwork at all," he said.
The existence of one animal was only revealed after it escaped with two others "due to inadequate fencing" during the winter and "froze to death," Gajdos added.
"We will not let this slide!" vowed the zookeper-turned-minister, ordering a "comprehensive investigation" into the animals.
Last year Meszaros's Val-volgye Hunting Association said the herd was kept in compliance with applicable laws and had the necessary permits.
It claimed all exotic animals on its property were 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 wrongdoings.
