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A five-month-old child gorilladiscovered in the hold of a Turkish Airlines flight last month, is recovering at an Istanbul zoo while officials decide where he will live next.
He was a tiny primate found in the box on a flight from Nigeria to Thailand that traveled through Istanbul, reports The Associated Press. It was named Zeytin, or Olive, ua public tender.
For now, he remains in the care of Polonezkoy Zoo in Istanbul, and wildlife officials say he could be returned to his natural habitat.
“Of course, what we want and want is baby gorillas… continue your life in your homelandFahrettin Ulu, regional director of Istanbul Nature Conservation and National Parks, told AP on Sunday.
What is important is to establish an absolutely safe environment at the destination, which is extremely important to us.
One veterinarian overseeing Zeytin is optimistic about his recovery at the zoo and said he has been showing progress since arriving after the traumatic ordeal.
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“When he first came, he was very shy, he would stay where we left him,” said veterinarian Gulfem Esmen. “Now there is no more shyness. He doesn’t even care much about us. I play games alone.”
According to Metro UK, the gorilla was found inside a small wooden crate by Turkish Ministry of Trade customs officials, who were tracking the shipment as part of their wildlife protection efforts.
An endangered baby gorilla, found by Turkish authorities at Istanbul Airport, is seen in a box on December 22, 2024.
Ministry of Trade of Turkey / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images
He was found wearing a white short-sleeved T-shirt and was transferred to the custody of the country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
A ministry spokesman said: “The boy is fine. He was seized during customs controls while being transported illegally without proper documentation.
A baby gorilla, found by Turkish authorities at Istanbul Airport, plays with toys in Istanbul, Turkey, on January 12, 2025.
Mehmet Murat Onel/Anadolu via Getty Images
“The staff of the General Directorate for Nature Protection and National Parks provides rehabilitation and the necessary care.”
“The gorilla remains under close observation to ensure its recovery,” they added.
Zeytin, a five-month-old male gorilla who was rescued at Istanbul Airport, reacts with a keeper in a specially created area of the zoo, in Istanbul, Turkey, on January 12, 2025.
Khalil Hamra / The Associated Press
“Rehabilitation experts are working diligently to help the gorilla regain strength and health. Their care aims to provide a safe environment for animal welfare.”
Both species of gorillas – the western and eastern gorillas, which inhabit the remote forests and mountains of central Africa – are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
As Istanbul emerges as a major air hub between the continents, customs officials intercept more and more frequently illegally traded animals. Last October, 17 young Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards were found in an Egyptian passenger’s luggage at the city’s Sabiha Gokcen airport.
— With files from the Associated Press
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
