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Turkish Authorities Rescue Five-Month-Old Baby Gorilla from Traffickers in Airport Bust

Turkish Authorities Rescue Five-Month-Old Baby Gorilla from Traffickers in Airport Bust
A baby gorilla is seen in a crate after it was seized by Turkish customs officers at Istanbul Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, December 21, 2024. Turkish Trade Ministry/Handout via REUTERS Turkish Trade Ministry, Via REUTERS

In a tale that highlights the challenges and triumphs of wildlife conservation, a smuggled baby gorilla found in the cargo hold of a Turkish Airlines flight has captivated hearts worldwide. Discovered in Istanbul, the five-month-old gorilla named Zeytin is now undergoing rehabilitation in a zoo while raising awareness about illegal wildlife trade and the plight of endangered species.

Discovery in the Cargo Hold

Turkish Authorities Rescue Five-Month-Old Baby Gorilla from Traffickers in Airport Bust
Zeytin the western gorilla plays with a toy in the rehabilitation room at a zoo, Istanbul, Türkiye, Jan. 12, 2024. (AA Photo)

Zeytin’s story began in the cargo hold of a Turkish Airlines flight from Nigeria to Bangkok. On December 21, 2024, customs officers at Istanbul Airport uncovered the malnourished gorilla in a small crate during a routine inspection.

The Harsh Reality of Wildlife Smuggling

Orangutan
Female orangutan in animal cage feeling sad. Image via Depositphotos

Zeytin’s plight sheds light on the cruel world of illegal wildlife trafficking. Smuggled animals often endure inhumane conditions, with little regard for their health or well-being. Zeytin’s tiny crate and poor treatment were no exception.

Rehabilitation at Polonezkoy Zoo

Baby Gorillas Stand Their Ground.
Baby gorilla via depositphotos

The Istanbul zoo has provided Zeytin with a glass-walled room designed for rehabilitation. Special care, including sanitized environments and close monitoring, ensures that Zeytin can recover in safety and comfort.

A Journey of Physical Recovery

gorilla baby
Baby Gorilla. Image via Unsplash

When Zeytin arrived at the zoo, the gorilla weighed just 9.4 kilograms (20.7 pounds) and was visibly malnourished. After weeks of care, Zeytin’s weight increased to 10.4 kilograms, and her height grew from 62 to 65.5 centimeters.

Emotional Healing and Playtime

gorillas have drama
Gorilla and baby. Image via Unsplash.

Initially shy and withdrawn, Zeytin has blossomed into a playful, independent animal. Her time with caretakers and toys has been instrumental in rebuilding her sense of security and trust in her new environment.

Naming the Gorilla: A Community Effort

Gorilla
Baby Gorilla. Image by Mariola Grobelska via Unsplash.

The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry launched a social media campaign to name the gorilla. Out of thousands of suggestions, “Zeytin,” meaning “Olive” in Turkish, emerged as the winner, symbolizing hope and resilience.

The Role of Turkish Authorities

airplane
Image Lars Nissen by via Pixabay

The Turkish government has emphasized its commitment to wildlife conservation. From facilitating Zeytin’s rescue to working with international organizations, authorities are actively addressing the illegal wildlife trade.

International Collaboration in Conservation

Gorilla. Image by Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Efforts to determine Zeytin’s future include collaboration with global entities like CITES. These discussions aim to ensure Zeytin’s potential return to her natural habitat in Africa or provide long-term care in an accredited facility.

Endangered Western Gorillas

Baby mountain gorilla. Image by Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Zeytin belongs to the critically endangered western gorilla species. Habitat destruction, poaching, and trafficking have drastically reduced their population, making her rescue a poignant reminder of the need for conservation.

Turkish Airlines’ Responsibility

gorilla
Groilla Watching Cameraman. Image by David Atkins via Pexels

Turkish Airlines has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and reiterated its commitment to adhering to wildlife transportation regulations. This incident underscores the airline’s role in preventing future trafficking attempts.

Raising Awareness About Wildlife Conservation

Family of Cross Gorillas
Family of Cross Gorillas. Source: WildAid

Zeytin’s story has sparked conversations about protecting wildlife. Public support, education, and stricter regulations are crucial in combating illegal trade and ensuring the survival of vulnerable species.

A Hopeful Future for Zeytin

Mountain gorilla. Image by Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While Zeytin’s ultimate fate remains undecided, her journey from smuggled cargo to a symbol of resilience offers hope. Whether she returns to Africa’s rainforests or stays under expert care, Zeytin has become an ambassador for endangered animals worldwide.

Conclusion

sleeping lions in small cage
Sleeping lion in a cage. Image by Zloyel via Depositphotos

Zeytin’s story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of wildlife and the immense impact of human intervention. As her recovery continues, she symbolizes the resilience of nature and the responsibility we share in preserving it for future generations.