Endangered baby gorilla rescued from smuggling at Istanbul Airport
Authorities at Istanbul Airport intercepted a baby gorilla classified as critically endangered under international wildlife protection agreements.
Customs teams at Istanbul Airport find endangered baby gorilla in cargo shipment
Customs enforcement teams from the Ministry of Trade inspected cargo at Istanbul Airport.
- Officers from the Customs Enforcement Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate tracked a shipment originating from Nigeria and heading to Bangkok
- They flagged the cargo for further inspection as part of their risk analysis efforts to protect wildlife and natural habitat
- During the detailed examination, officers found a baby gorilla inside a cage
The ministry stated, “The animal is classified as ‘gorilla gorilla,’ (Western lowland gorilla) a species listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).”
This classification identifies it as facing the highest risk of extinction, making its international trade illegal except in rare cases.
Wildlife experts provide care for rescued baby gorilla after customs operation
After the rescue, officials transferred the baby gorilla to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s care units. The Ministry confirmed: “The little one is doing well. It was confiscated during customs checks while being illegally transported without proper documentation.
The General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks personnel are providing rehabilitation and necessary care.”
“The gorilla remains under close observation to ensure its recovery,” they added.
Rehabilitation experts are working diligently to help the gorilla regain strength and health. Their care aims to provide a safe environment for the animal’s well-being.
