A 5-month-old baby gorilla, discovered in the cargo hold of a plane, is now recovering at a zoo in Istanbul as officials deliberate on returning him to his natural habitat. The gorilla, named Zeytin—which means “olive” in Turkish—was found last month inside a crate on a Turkish Airlines flight traveling from Nigeria to Thailand, according to CBS News. Following a public naming competition, Zeytin is now on the mend.
Zeytin’s Road to Recovery
In the weeks following his rescue at the airport, Zeytin has shown significant improvement, both physically and behaviorally. He has gained weight and is slowly recovering from the ordeal of his traumatic journey.
“When he first arrived, he was very timid and stayed wherever we placed him,” explained Gulfem Esmen, a veterinarian caring for Zeytin. “Now, he’s no longer shy. He doesn’t pay much attention to us and entertains himself by playing.”
Authorities are hopeful about Zeytin’s future. “Our ultimate wish is for the baby gorilla to continue his life in his homeland,” shared Fahrettin Oulu, Istanbul’s regional director for nature conservation and national parks, during a statement on Sunday. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring Zeytin is relocated to a completely safe environment.
Istanbul’s Role in Illegal Wildlife Trade
Istanbul’s position as a major global air hub has made it a focal point for combating wildlife smuggling. Customs officials regularly intercept illegally trafficked animals passing through the city. In one notable case from October, authorities confiscated 17 young Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards found in the luggage of an Egyptian passenger at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
Zeytin’s story underscores the risks and consequences of the illegal wildlife trade, while also offering hope for a better future for the young gorilla, who is finally receiving the care he deserves.
(Illustrative Photo by Andrea Acanfora: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-an-infant-gorilla-7268737/)














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