Young gorilla rescued from plane cargo recovers in Istanbul zoo
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Zeytin, a 5-month-old male gorilla infant who was rescued at Istanbul Airport, reacts with a keeper, in a specially created section of a zoo, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
A baby gorilla rescued from the cargo hold of a plane is recovering at a zoo in Istanbul while wildlife authorities work on determining whether he can be returned to his natural habitat. The case also highlights ongoing concerns about illegal animal trafficking through Istanbul’s airports, which have become major hotspots for such activities.
The five-month-old gorilla, named Zeytin—meaning “Olive” in Turkish—was discovered last month inside a box on a Turkish Airlines flight traveling from Nigeria to Thailand. The young gorilla, who had been subjected to a grueling and potentially harmful journey, is now under the care of staff at Polonezkoy Zoo in Istanbul, where he is slowly recovering from the ordeal.
Fahrettin Ulu, the director of Istanbul’s Nature Conservation and National Parks, expressed hope for Zeytin’s future during an update on Sunday. “We hope the baby gorilla can return to his homeland,” Ulu said. “What matters most is ensuring a safe place for him to live.” This sentiment reflects the commitment to ensuring that Zeytin can be safely returned to the wild, where he belongs, while prioritizing his welfare and well-being.
Since his rescue, Zeytin has shown significant progress. Veterinarian Gulfem Esmen, who has been closely monitoring his recovery, noted that when the gorilla first arrived at the zoo, he was withdrawn and timid. “When he first arrived, he was very shy and stayed where we left him,” Esmen said. “Now, he’s more confident and even ignores us. He enjoys playing on his own.” His increasing confidence and energy are promising signs of his resilience and recovery after the traumatic experience.
Zeytin’s case is a reminder of the plight of gorillas, both western and eastern species of which are critically endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). These gorillas are native to the forests and mountains of central Africa, where they face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trafficking. Protecting these species from illegal trade and exploitation remains a critical part of global conservation efforts.
The rescue of Zeytin and the ongoing investigations into animal trafficking reflect a global effort to address the illegal wildlife trade, which is one of the most lucrative forms of organized crime worldwide. Governments, conservation organizations, and law enforcement agencies are working together to combat this illegal trade and protect endangered species like Zeytin. The attention drawn by Zeytin’s case could further spotlight the importance of taking strong measures against trafficking and ensuring that animals are treated with respect and care.
The zoo and wildlife authorities in Istanbul are currently considering the best course of action for Zeytin’s future. While his recovery is promising, returning him to his natural environment will require careful planning and coordination with conservationists and wildlife experts in his native region. The hope is that, once fully rehabilitated, Zeytin can be reintroduced into a safe environment where he can live freely, far from the dangers of illegal trafficking.
This case serves as a powerful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by endangered species, as well as the critical role of international cooperation in addressing wildlife trafficking. As Zeytin continues to recover, his journey offers both a hopeful and sobering glimpse into the efforts being made to protect wildlife from exploitation and preserve species for future generations.
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