ISTANBUL (WKRC) – A 5-month-old gorilla, discovered in a box on a flight, was recuperating at a zoo, officials said Sunday.

The young primate, Zeytin, was under the care of Polonezkoy Zoo in Istanbul after being discovered on a Turkish Airlines flight from Nigeria to Thailand, according to CBS News.

Fahrettin Ulu, regional director of Istanbul Nature Conservation and National Parks, expressed hopes for Zeytin’s future.

“Of course, what we want and desire is for the baby gorilla to continue its life in its homeland,” said Ulu, reported CBS News. “What is important is that an absolutely safe environment is established in the place it goes to, which is extremely important for us.”

Since Zeytin’s rescue, he had shown signs of recovery, gaining weight and overcoming the trauma of his journey.

“When he first came, he was very shy, he would stay where we left him,” said Gulfem Esmen, a veterinarian, reported CBS News. “He doesn’t have that shyness now. He doesn’t even care about us much. He plays games by himself.”

Both western and eastern gorilla species, native to central Africa’s remote forests and mountains, are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. As Istanbul becomes a significant air hub, customs officials have increasingly intercepted illegally traded animals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *