A baby gorilla, intercepted in Turkey en route to Thailand, is now thriving under expert care in a local zoo.
PUBLISHED : 20 Jan 2025 at 09:43
Authorities at Istanbul Airport in Turkey have confiscated a baby gorilla, reportedly en route to Thailand. The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED) and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation conducted an investigation into the destination farm in Nakhon Pathom Province. The investigation uncovered suspicious documentation, including an invoice falsely declaring the import of 50 rabbits. However, one of the crates contained the gorilla.
Mr. Sadudee Punpugdee, Director of the Wild Fauna and Flora Protection Division under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, stated that the Director-General of the department, Mr. Athapol Charoenshunsa, had tasked the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) division and the Yiaw Dong task force with consulting the Customs Department, Department of Livestock Development, and Animal Quarantine Stations. The objective is to determine whether the documents from the suspected farm are relevant to the case. It is, however, unusual that three crates were transported: two containing rabbits, while the third concealed the gorilla.
“Legally, no individuals in Thailand have yet been implicated. However, CITES has submitted formal requests to the CITES offices in Nigeria and Turkey for cooperation in the investigation. Information from farm inspections has also been provided to CITES to assist in pursuing action against the transnational gorilla trafficking network,” Mr. Sadudee stated.
The gorilla, now named Zeytin, or “Nong Makok” in Thai, following a naming contest held by the zoo, has been relocated to a zoo in Turkey. The gorilla is reported to be in good health, having grown 10 cm in height and gained 2 kg in weight. It is estimated to be five months old.
Mr. Sadudee also shared a recent video showing the gorilla under the care of staff at the Turkish zoo. The video depicts the gorilla drinking milk from a bottle, running around, eating vegetables and fruits, and playing with a stuffed toy in its enclosure. The gorilla appears comfortable around people and is able to take the bottle from staff independently. Experts are currently working to rehabilitate the young gorilla to ensure it grows stronger in a safe environment.
