Rescued Baby Gorilla Recovering in Turkish Zoo

A young gorilla, discovered in the cargo hold of a Turkish Airlines flight to Thailand last month, is recovering at Polonezkoy Zoo, officials announced Sunday. Wildlife authorities are exploring the possibility of returning him to his natural habitat.

Following a public naming contest, the 5-month-old gorilla has been named Zeytin, meaning Olive. He is currently recuperating at the zoo.

Fahrettin Ulu, Istanbul’s regional director of Nature Conservation and National Parks, stated on Sunday, “Our ultimate goal is for the baby gorilla to resume its life in its native land.” He emphasized, “Establishing a completely safe environment at its destination is paramount.”

Since his discovery, Zeytin has gained weight and is displaying signs of recovery from the ordeal of his journey.

Veterinarian Gulfem Esmen reported, “Initially, he was very timid, remaining where we placed him. Now, that shyness is gone; he barely pays us any attention. He plays independently.”

Both western and eastern gorilla species, inhabiting the remote forests and mountains of central Africa, are designated as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

With Istanbul’s growing role as a continental hub, customs officials are encountering an increasing number of illegally trafficked animals. In October, 17 young Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards were found in the luggage of an Egyptian passenger at Sabiha Gokcen Airport.