A baby gorilla rescued from a plane’s cargo hold is recovering at an Istanbul zoo while wildlife officials consider whether he can be returned to his natural habitat. The case also highlights the issue of illegal animal trafficking through the city’s busy airports.
The five-month-old gorilla, named Zeytin (meaning “Olive”), was discovered in a box on a Turkish Airlines flight from Nigeria to Thailand last month. He is now being cared for at Polonezkoy Zoo, where he is recovering from the traumatic journey.
Fahrettin Ulu, director of Istanbul Nature Conservation and National Parks, said on Sunday, “We hope the baby gorilla can return to his homeland. The most important thing is ensuring a safe environment for him.”
Since his rescue, Zeytin has been gaining weight and becoming more active. “When he first arrived, he was very shy and stayed in one spot,” said veterinarian Gulfem Esmen. “Now he’s more confident and enjoys playing on his own.”
Both western and eastern gorillas, native to central Africa’s forests and mountains, are endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Istanbul’s airports are increasingly being used for smuggling wildlife. In October, customs officials at Sabiha Gokcen Airport discovered 17 young Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards hidden in a passenger’s luggage.