A young Western lowland gorilla who was rescued from wildlife traffickers is now preparing to return to his native Nigeria, following close to nine months of rehabilitation in Istanbul, Turkey. This rare and hopeful development shines a spotlight on both the dangers facing Africa’s endangered wildlife and the international cooperation required to combat trafficking.
The gorilla, named Zeytin by Turkish officials, was discovered late last year as an infant, packed in a wooden crate in the cargo hold of a Turkish Airlines flight en route to Thailand—a tragic symbol of the global black market targeting Africa’s majestic species. He was only about five months old, small and terrified, when authorities intercepted him just days before Christmas at Istanbul Airport. Fahrettin Ulu of Istanbul’s Nature Conservation and National Parks directorate told reporters, “This was the first time a gorilla was seized at the airport. When discovered in the small box, you could see the fear in his eyes.”
Zeytin’s Journey: Recovery and Resilience
Immediately after his rescue, Zeytin was transferred to the Polonezköy Zoo, set amidst forested hills outside Istanbul. There, he began the difficult road to recovery—a journey marked by round-the-clock care, gentle handling, and targeted nutrition designed to restore his strength. “We made sure he was nurtured with motherly affection,” Ulu explained, noting the team’s effort to help Zeytin overcome the trauma of captivity.
Their attention has paid off: since his arrival at the zoo, Zeytin has grown healthier and more confident. His weight has climbed from 9.4 kilograms to 16 kilograms—a testament to his improved diet and care. He has also grown taller, from just over 62 centimetres to around 80 centimetres in height.
Today, Zeytin is full of energy and curiosity—a stark contrast to the fearful animal first found by authorities. Observers often see him scampering across his enclosure, swinging from branches, or playing tag with his caretaker. Sometimes, he pauses to munch on fresh fruits like cucumber or orange, showing signs of comfort that were impossible to imagine when he was first rescued.
The Global Crisis of Great Ape Trafficking
Zeytin’s rescue comes as global wildlife trafficking remains a serious threat in Nigeria and across West and Central Africa. Experts believe Zeytin is a West African member of the critically endangered Western lowland gorilla subspecies, whose forest habitats in central Africa are being decimated by illegal logging, poaching, and the spread of diseases like Ebola. Their populations have seen dramatic declines over the past few decades.
A 2013 report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimated that at least 3,174 great apes—including gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans—are lost to illegal trade every year. The actual number may be even higher, given the clandestine nature of the networks involved. West and Central Africa are recognised as key hotspots for this criminal activity, with traffickers taking advantage of logistical vulnerabilities and weak enforcement.
According to Denis Mahonghol, Central Africa regional director for TRAFFIC, an NGO tracking the illegal wildlife trade, the market for baby gorillas has been growing. “Young gorillas are easier to move—they’re small, manageable, and sadly, in demand. That’s led to an increase in trafficking, and we’re seeing more organised crime involvement than ever before,” Mahonghol revealed. He and other experts warn that these trends are fuelling the extinction crisis facing Africa’s great apes.
Taking Action: How CITES Enables Repatriation of Trafficked Animals
International treaties are crucial in protecting rare animals like Zeytin. Nigeria is a signatory to CITES—the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora—a global agreement that regulates the cross-border trade in wildlife. Under CITES rules, any animal rescued from trafficking must be repatriated to its country of origin, except in rare circumstances where it is not possible or safe.
Turkish authorities, along with officials from CITES and partners in Nigeria’s wildlife and conservation agencies, have been coordinating Zeytin’s return. “We followed all legal steps and confirmed details about the rehabilitation centre in Nigeria before making the decision to proceed with his repatriation,” Ulu explained.
TRAFFIC’s Mahonghol emphasised the importance of this international cooperation, noting that while Turkish authorities have indicated Zeytin’s return could happen soon, the final timeline is pending. Nigerian officials are reportedly still awaiting precise scheduling from their Turkish counterparts, highlighting the logistical and administrative challenges that can slow down even the most celebrated wildlife rescue stories.
Remembering Ozzie: The Legacy of the World’s Oldest Male Gorilla
The global spotlight on Zeytin follows sad news from the United States, where Ozzie, the oldest known male gorilla in the world, died at Zoo Atlanta at the age of 61. According to Zoo Atlanta officials—via NBC News—Ozzie was found deceased by the animal care team that had looked after him for years. The cause of death was not disclosed immediately, but the zoo announced that results from a necropsy conducted by the University of Georgia’s veterinary college would be shared when available. Ozzie’s passing is a reminder of the fragility and longevity of these remarkable animals, as well as the need for ongoing care and conservation.
Though worlds apart, both Ozzie’s story in the U.S. and Zeytin’s recent journey underscore the urgent need for stronger protections, better enforcement, and wider public awareness about the threats facing gorillas—especially those native to Africa’s lush rainforests.
Local Responses: What Zeytin’s Case Means For Nigeria and Africa
In Nigeria and throughout West Africa, conservationists are keenly watching Zeytin’s story. Many see it as a test case for how regional cooperation and global treaties can help counter the illegal wildlife trade. According to conservationist Dr. Chinedu Eze of Abuja’s National Park Service, “Zeytin’s imminent return is both a warning and a message of hope. It’s a warning that our wildlife is being targeted, but also a testament to what can be achieved when nations and agencies work together.”
Grassroots organisations such as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation have renewed calls for stricter enforcement at airports, borders, and markets, and for the integration of anti-trafficking education in local communities. Regional analysts suggest that deeper investment in eco-tourism and conservation could help turn the tide—not just for gorillas like Zeytin, but for the broader ecosystem that sustains local economies and cultures.
Looking Forward: Challenges and Hopes for Endangered Species in West Africa
The journey of Zeytin highlights the immense challenges—and occasional successes—of wildlife conservation across Africa. Nigeria’s government, international partners, and advocates now face the challenge of ensuring Zeytin’s safe integration into a protected sanctuary, and using his story to spark national debate about sustainable development, law enforcement, and international cooperation. At the same time, much more remains to be done to address corrupt smuggling networks, strengthen local protections, and ensure the survival of West Africa’s extraordinary wildlife for generations to come.
How can Nigeria and other West African nations further protect unique wildlife like gorillas? What additional steps should be taken to safeguard endangered species against trafficking and habitat loss?
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