Rescued Baby Gorilla Zeytin Thrives in Turkish Zoo After Harrowing Rescue

A heartwarming story unfolds as a five-month-old baby gorilla, named Zeytin (meaning Olive), is on the road to recovery after being discovered in the cargo hold of a Turkish Airlines flight. The young primate was found in a wooden box on a flight traveling from Nigeria to Thailand that had a stopover in Istanbul, sparking a rescue operation by customs officials.

Currently, Zeytin is receiving care at Polonezkoy Zoo in Istanbul, where wildlife authorities are deliberating his future. Officials are hopeful that he can eventually be returned to his natural habitat in Africa, where gorillas like him can thrive free from the perils of illegal trafficking. “Our utmost desire is for the baby gorilla to lead a life in its homeland,” said Fahrettin Ulu, regional director of Istanbul's Nature Conservation and National Parks, highlighting the importance of ensuring a safe environment for Zeytin's future.

Veterinarian Gulfem Esmen, who is closely monitoring Zeytin’s recovery, shares that the little gorilla has shown remarkable improvement since being rescued from his traumatic ordeal. “Initially, he was very shy and stayed in one spot, but now he’s become more playful and interacts less with us, which is a good sign of his recovery,” Esmen noted.

Zeytin's plight came to light when Turkish customs officials, as part of their wildlife protection efforts, intercepted the shipment and found him wearing a white T-shirt. He was then placed under the care of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which stated, “The little one is doing well,” and confirmed that he is receiving rehabilitation and necessary medical care.

Experts stress the significance of Zeytin’s rehabilitation, with a tight-knit team dedicated to ensuring he regains his strength and remains healthy. “Maintaining a safe and supportive environment is crucial for his development,” a ministry representative emphasized.

This incident sheds light on the ongoing issue of wildlife trafficking, particularly of endangered species like gorillas, whose populations are dwindling due to poaching and habitat loss. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified both western and eastern gorillas as endangered, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Istanbul has increasingly become intertwined with wildlife trafficking issues. Last October, customs officials intercepted 17 young Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards, showcasing the city's role as a critical checkpoint in the fight against illegal animal trade.

As Zeytin continues his recovery, the hope is not only for his safe return to a life in the wild but also for greater awareness and prevention of wildlife trafficking worldwide. The journey of this little gorilla serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and the survival of species that share our planet.