Baby gorilla found in plane cargo recovering at Turkish zoo

A young gorilla named Zeytin, rescued from a plane’s cargo hold, is currently recovering at an Istanbul zoo after a traumatic journey. The 5-month-old gorilla was found in a box on a Turkish Airlines flight from Nigeria to Thailand last month. Following a public competition, he was named Zeytin, which means Olive, and is now recuperating at Polonezkoy Zoo.

Officials are considering the possibility of returning Zeytin to his natural habitat. Fahrettin Ulu, the regional director of Istanbul Nature Conservation and National Parks, expressed the desire for the baby gorilla to continue its life in its homeland. He emphasized the importance of establishing a safe environment for Zeytin upon his return.

Since being rescued, Zeytin has been gaining weight and showing signs of recovery. Veterinarian Gulfem Esmen noted that Zeytin initially displayed shyness but has since become more playful and independent. The young gorilla is adjusting well to his new surroundings at the zoo.

Both species of gorillas, the western and eastern gorillas, are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Istanbul has become a major air hub between continents, leading to an increase in the interception of illegally traded animals by customs officials. In a recent incident, 17 young Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards were discovered in an Egyptian passenger’s luggage at Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

As efforts continue to protect endangered species like gorillas, Zeytin’s recovery and potential return to his natural habitat serve as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation. The Istanbul zoo staff is dedicated to providing Zeytin with the care he needs to thrive and potentially reintegrate into the wild in the future.