Young Gorilla Rescued from Airplane Cargo Finds Sanctuary in Istanbul
A five-month-old gorilla, discovered hidden in a box on a Turkish Airlines flight last month, is recovering well at an Istanbul zoo, sparking discussions about his future return to his natural habitat, The Associated Press reports.
The young primate, now named Zeytin (meaning “Olive” in Turkish) following a public naming competition, was found on a flight originating in Nigeria and bound for Thailand.
Zeytin’s unexpected arrival has highlighted the growing issue of illegal wildlife trafficking, particularly through major air hubs like Istanbul. The gorilla, believed to be either a western or eastern gorilla – both endangered species native to central Africa – was likely intended for the illegal pet trade.
“Of course, what we want and desire is for the baby gorilla to continue its life in its homeland,” said Fahrettin Ulu, regional director of Istanbul Nature Conservation and National Parks.
He emphasized that the priority is ensuring a safe environment for Zeytin’s potential return.
Since his rescue, Zeytin has been under the care of veterinarians at the Polonezkoy Zoo. Initial reports indicated he was withdrawn and shy. However, vet Gulfem Esmen notes a significant change in the young gorilla’s behavior.
“When he first came, he was very shy, he would stay where we left him,” the vet said. “He doesn’t have that shyness now. He doesn’t even care about us much. He plays games by himself.” The gorilla has also gained weight, a positive sign of his recovery from the stressful journey.
The rescue of Zeytin underscores the continued threats faced by gorillas in their natural habitat. Both western and eastern gorillas, which live in the remote forests and mountains of central Africa, are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Istanbul has become a key point for the interception of illegally traded animals. The incident involving Zeytin is not an isolated case. In October, customs officials at Sabiha Gokcen Airport discovered 17 young Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards concealed in an Egyptian passenger’s luggage, showcasing the scale and complexity of the illegal wildlife trade.
