Rescued baby gorilla recovers in Istanbul zoo, awaits possible return to natural habitat

A 5-month-old gorilla, discovered inside a crate in the cargo hold of a Turkish Airlines flight, is recovering at Istanbul’s Polonezkoy Zoo while wildlife experts explore the possibility of returning it to the wild.

The flight was traveling from Nigeria to Thailand last month when customs officials uncovered the young primate.

The gorilla, named Zeytin—Turkish for "Olive"—through a public naming poll, has been under close care since the rescue. “Our priority is ensuring that Zeytin’s future habitat is completely safe,” said Fahrettin Ulu, regional director of Nature Conservation and National Parks. “While we hope the gorilla can return to its homeland, safety remains paramount.”

Zeytin’s recovery has been encouraging. According to veterinarian Gulfem Esmen, the baby gorilla was initially very timid, rarely moving from the spot where it was placed. However, as days passed, Zeytin began gaining confidence, weight, and energy, now appearing more at ease in its new environment.

Both western and eastern gorilla species, which inhabit the forests and mountains of Central Africa, are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their survival is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and trafficking.

Istanbul’s role as a major international transit hub has brought increased vigilance from customs authorities, who are intercepting more cases of wildlife smuggling.

In a recent incident at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, officials confiscated 17 juvenile Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards hidden in the luggage of an Egyptian traveler.

Zeytin’s case highlights the ongoing struggle against illegal wildlife trade and underscores the importance of conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species.