ISTANBUL (AP) – A young gorilla named Zeytin, or Olive, is on the road to recovery after being rescued from a Turkish Airlines flight's cargo hold last month. The 5-month-old gorilla was discovered in a box during a flight that originated in Nigeria and was headed to Thailand. Currently, Zeytin is under the care of the Polonezkoy Zoo in Istanbul, where officials are considering the possibility of returning him to his natural habitat.
Fahrettin Ulu, the regional director of Istanbul Nature Conservation and National Parks, conveyed a strong desire for Zeytin to return to his homeland. He emphasized the importance of establishing a completely safe environment for the young gorilla before any potential relocation. This focus on safety stems from concerns about ensuring the well-being of wildlife once they are returned to their natural surroundings.
Since being rescued, Zeytin has shown significant improvement. Initially very shy and withdrawn, he has since gained weight and adapted to his new environment. Veterinarian Gulfem Esmen observed that Zeytin has become more playful and is now less reliant on human interaction. “When he first came, he was very shy, he would stay where we left him,” Esmen remarked. “He doesn’t have that shyness now. He doesn’t even care about us much. He plays games by himself.”
Both species of gorillas – the western and eastern gorillas – are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which raises additional considerations regarding the conservation efforts needed to protect these animals in the wild. The ongoing challenges of illegal wildlife trade have brought attention to the plight of various species, including gorillas like Zeytin.
Istanbul has increasingly emerged as a significant air travel hub between continents, leading customs officials to intercept a variety of illegally traded animals. In a recent incident in October, 17 young Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards were discovered in an Egyptian passenger's luggage at Sabiha Gokcen Airport, showcasing the ongoing issue of wildlife smuggling in the region.
As Zeytin continues to recover at Polonezkoy Zoo, his story not only sheds light on the challenges faced by endangered species but also highlights the efforts needed to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. The question of how best to rehabilitate and, if feasible, return rescued animals like Zeytin to their natural habitats remains a vital topic in wildlife conservation circles.
