Baby Gorilla "Zeytin" is getting ready to go to Nigeria
The rehabilitation process continues for the baby gorilla, which was found on December 22 of last year by Istanbul Airport Customs Enforcement, Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate teams in a cage-like box originating from Nigeria and destined for Bangkok. The gorilla is currently at a zoo in Polonezköy.
- Life
- Published Date: 10:25 | 21 August 2025
- Modified Date: 10:27 | 21 August 2025
The baby gorilla, a "gorilla gorilla" species facing the threat of extinction, has been moved from its glass enclosure and is now playing with its caregivers in a natural area within the zoo.
Kadir Çokçetin, the General Manager of DKMP, stated that Zeytin was found at Istanbul Airport en route from Nigeria to Thailand.
Çokçetin noted that Zeytin was 62 centimeters tall when he first arrived and has now reached 80 centimeters. "He weighed 9 kilograms when he arrived and is now around 16 kilograms. His health is excellent, and he has a more positive outlook on life. We conducted a survey with widespread participation, and his name, Zeytin, was chosen based on the preferences of our citizens. He has been 'our Zeytin' ever since," he said.