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A baby gorilla seized at an airport after being smuggled from Nigeria is being prepared for return to its home country.
The gorilla was discovered by customs teams at Istanbul Airport in Turkey in a cargo shipment on 21st December 2024, destined for Thailand.
Footage shows the young gorilla, named Zeytin and later given the English name Olive, in a cage after being seized. It is later seen being cared for by staff from the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.
Officials said the animal, a critically endangered species, had been transported without the required CITES certificate and was taken into protection.
Since then, it has been rehabilitated and cared for in Istanbul under the supervision of veterinarians and a special caretaker.
Authorities said the return process had started after guarantees were made that Olive would only be kept in a rehabilitation centre in Nigeria and would not be subject to illegal trade again.
The General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks said in a statement: "We protected it with compassion, raised it with love, and are preparing to send it off."
It added that its return to Nigeria would be carried out in cooperation with the CITES Secretariat and relevant institutions, with all welfare standards taken into account, including climate conditions and minimising stress.
Olive will travel on a Turkish Airlines flight in line with International Air Transport Association rules.
The gorilla had previously been the subject of widespread media interest in Turkey, and its name was chosen by citizens through an online survey.
According to the CITES convention, the country from which the seized animal originated retains the right to reclaim it.
(Mike Leidig / newsX)
Byline Journalist: Mike Leidig
Byline Sub editor: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Spotter: Ajda Ender
Byline Commisioning Editor: Mike Leidig
Byline Senior Writer: Mike Leidig
Byline Picture Editor: Zorica Stojkovik
Byline Video Editor: David Stojkovic
Byline Copychecker: Angela Trajkovska
Byline Illustrator: Angela Trajkovska
Byline News Editor: Mike Leidig
Geography: Istanbul, Nigeria
Subject: K1, VP, Animals, Primates, Gorillas
T4 Editor Story Rating: 7
T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 7
T4 Total rating: 7
