Baby Gorilla Rescued at Istanbul Airport Named ‘Zeytin’ in Heartwarming Story
A baby gorilla rescued at Istanbul Airport has been named “Zeytin,” which means “Olive” in English. This name was chosen through a social media campaign organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The young gorilla is currently receiving rehabilitation in a specially designed enclosure at a zoo in Polonezkoy, Türkiye.
Rescue at Istanbul Airport
On December 22, customs enforcement teams at Istanbul Airport intercepted the baby gorilla hidden in a cage inside a small box on a flight from Nigeria to Bangkok. This critically endangered “gorilla gorilla” was found in distressing conditions.
Rehabilitation and Care
Since her rescue, Zeytin has been closely monitored in a glass enclosure at the zoo. Access to her area is strictly controlled, with mandatory disinfection protocols and masks to ensure her health and safety.
When Zeytin was rescued, she weighed 9.4 kilograms and measured 62 centimeters in height. Now, she weighs 10.4 kilograms and stands at 65.5 centimeters, showing the excellent care she has received.
“The improvement in her health and behavior shows how well she is adapting to her new environment,” said Ulu, a representative from the zoo. “While her rehabilitation is going smoothly, we hope to see her return to her natural habitat in Africa’s rainforests.”
Plans for Zeytin’s Return
Discussions are ongoing with international organizations, including the CITES Secretariat, to ensure Zeytin’s safe return to her homeland. “Our ultimate goal is for her to thrive in a secure environment in the wild,” Ulu added, noting that further updates will be shared with the public as negotiations progress.
Naming Zeytin: A Social Media Sensation
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry engaged the public in naming the baby gorilla through a social media campaign. Thousands of suggestions were submitted, and “Zeytin” was ultimately chosen as the winning name.
“The name Zeytin has now become synonymous with this young gorilla, capturing the hearts of 85 million people,” Ulu said, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming interest and support from citizens.
This heartwarming story of Zeytin highlights the importance of wildlife conservation and the collective effort to protect endangered species.