The baby gorilla rescued from a flight last month recovers well
In December 2024, a five-month-old baby gorilla, now named Zeytin, was rescued from a Turkish Airlines flight travelling Nigeria to Thailand. Discovered in a box in the cargo hold, Zeytin endured a traumatic journey but is now under expert care and recovering well.
Since being rescued, the baby’s rehabilitation has been coordinated by Istanbul Nature Conservation and National Parks. Regional director, Fahrettin Ulu, told the Associated Press “Of course, what we want and desire is for the baby gorilla to continue its life in its homeland. What is important is that an absolutely safe environment is established in the place it goes to, which is extremely important for us.” Since the rescue, Zeytin is receiving the medical care and attention she needs.
Zeytin’s story is an important reminder of the challenges gorillas face globally due to many challenges, such as habitat loss, poaching and illegal trafficking. The endangered species are essential to their ecosystems, and yet, they remain under constant threat.
As a gorilla conservation organisation, we commend all those involved in the rescue and rehabilitation for their dedication to Zeytin’s welfare. We echo Fahrettin Ulu’s call for establishing secure habitats were vulnerable animals like Zeytin can receive the care they need. We hope her story will inspire continued action against wildlife trafficking and our wider vision to conserve gorillas for generations to come.
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