Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
Gorilla Rescued from Cargo Hold on Path to Recovery in Istanbul
A young gorilla, recently rescued from a cargo hold of a plane, is now recovering at a zoo in Istanbul, according to officials. As authorities explore the possibility of returning the animal to its natural habitat, the focus remains on ensuring a safe environment for his future.
The 5-month-old gorilla was discovered in a box on a Turkish Airlines flight that originated in Nigeria and was headed to Thailand last month. Following a public competition, the young gorilla has been named Zeytin, which translates to Olive in English, and he is currently being cared for at Polonezkoy Zoo.
Regional director of Istanbul Nature Conservation and National Parks, Fahrettin Ulu, expressed a desire for Zeytin to eventually return to his homeland. “What we want and desire is for the baby gorilla… to continue its life in its homeland,” he remarked recently. He emphasized the importance of establishing a safe environment for Zeytin’s relocation, stating, “What is important is that an absolutely safe environment is established in the place it goes to, which is extremely important for us.”
Since being rescued, Zeytin has shown significant signs of recovery, gaining weight and demonstrating a more playful demeanor. Initially, he was quite shy, remaining still in the spot where he was placed, according to veterinarian Gulfem Esmen. “He doesn’t have that shyness now. He doesn’t even care about us much. He plays games by himself,” Esmen noted.
Both species of gorillas—western and eastern—are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, highlighting the significance of Zeytin’s situation and the ongoing conservation efforts.
As Istanbul continues to grow as a key transit hub between continents, customs officials have intercepted a notable number of illegally traded animals. Just last October, authorities discovered 17 young Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards concealed in the luggage of a passenger arriving from Egypt at Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Source
www.foxnews.com