A baby gorilla named Zeytin will soon return home to Nigeria after months of recovery at a zoo in Istanbul, Turkey. The baby gorilla was rescued from wildlife traffickers earlier in December 2024, at Istanbul Airport, where he was hidden in a cargo container on its way to Thailand.
When Zeytin was rescued, he weighed just nine kilograms and was in very poor health. Since then Zeytin has received medical care and further veterinary support. Zoo officials report he now weighs 16 kilograms, is seemingly healthy and active, and shows good potential for recovery. Zeytin displays his playful spirit and growing confidence as evidence of his recovery.
The Pandrillus Foundation, an NGO operating out of Nigeria, will be taking the lead on the next phase of Zeytin’s care. They intend to perform full health checks and get Zeytin ready for rehabilitation into natural environments. Officials indicated the entire repatriation process will be in accordance with international wildlife protection protocols.
Nigeria has applied to take custody of Zeytin and has reassured officials of available facilities, habitat protection, and monitoring to provide oversight. He is expected to be transferred to a primate rehabilitation center, where he will spend time adjusting to life with other gorillas. Experts have said this is very important for Zeytin’s social development and long-term survival.
Conservationists indicated Zeytin’s case also demonstrates the risks of wildlife trafficking and the need for more forceful action at the international level. They indicated Zeytin’s rescue is an important success, but many more animals are still at risk from illegal trade. They argue this case illustrates that cooperative action between nations is important to shutting down smuggling networks.
