Rescued Baby Gorilla Zeytin Shows Signs of Recovery After Traumatic Smuggling Incident

Zeytin, a baby gorilla, has been a beacon of hope since being rescued from a shipping container at Istanbul airport last December. Found during an anti-smuggling operation, this young gorilla was abandoned and trafficked illegally, raising concerns over wildlife preservation and trafficking issues.

Since his rescue, Zeytin has been under the care of the Polonezkoy Zoo in Turkey, where he is undergoing rehabilitation. Officials have reported significant improvements in his physical health; he has gained weight and grown taller, marking a positive trajectory in his recovery process.

As Zeytin prepares for a potential return to his homeland in Nigeria, Turkish authorities are seeking guarantees from the Nigerian government regarding his safety. They aim to protect him from the threats of illegal traders, illustrating a broader concern surrounding wildlife trafficking and the dangers it poses to endangered species.

This situation highlights not only the challenges faced by rescued animals but also the ongoing fight against wildlife crime. Zeytin’s journey from being a victim of smuggling to a survivor of rehabilitation encapsulates the urgent need for stronger conservation efforts worldwide.