5-month-old baby gorilla rescued by Custom officials at airport after a smuggling attempt

In recent years, smuggling exotic and endangered animals has been grabbing headlines globally. The shadowy and dangerous trade fuels illegal markets worldwide while significantly threatening biodiversity. On a related note, a five-month-old baby gorilla was rescued by authorities at Istanbul airport following a failed smuggling attempt. The baby gorilla, classified as a "Western lowland gorilla," as reported by BoredPanda, was found inside a wooden box after Customs enforcement officials flagged down the cargo shipment heading to Bangkok. 

As part of their usual inspection to protect wildlife and natural habitats, Customs officers waved down the cargo ship, which originated from Nigeria, and discovered the baby gorilla. “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),” revealed the ministry, as reported by Turkiye Today. The baby gorilla was immediately sent to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's care units for its proper care. While the reason for the baby gorilla's illegal transport from Nigeria to Bangkok remained undisclosed, rehabilitation experts are said to be focused on restoring its strength and ensuring a safe and healthy environment.

“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 Ministry shared. The rescued gorilla remains under close observation to ensure its fast recovery at the care unit, as revealed by officials. A heartwarming video shared T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı (@tctarim) shows the baby gorilla receiving excellent care at the Ministry. People were seemingly happy with the improvement of the rescued 5-month-old infant and congratulated the team for preventing the illegal trade of the endangered animal. Some even raised their concerns about the gorilla being sent to a zoo in the future. 

For instance, @simplyshameek commented, "Great job guys. Such a great news ahead of Christmas. God bless you all!" Similarly, @soha41538926 commented, "It is essential that they are reunited with their family and mother. The communication between baby gorillas and their mothers is very special and warm. Their mothers look after them with special care." @yineaciktimof wrote, "Please find his family, let them be found and let him return to the forests where he should live. He does not belong here. Don't let him be tortured and become a toy in a zoo!" @minnosthejedi commented, "Please keep us informed about its future fate, so that we can get good news and not see it in a ridiculous zoo."

Meanwhile, @arzuserra commented, "Would a normal person bring a gorilla to his country without permission? Why did he bring it, to whom, what were they going to do with the gorilla? Some people's minds work differently, it's a shame, it's a sin, no matter where you brought it from, take it there." On the other hand, @cinmigane wrote, "If you can't take care of her, I would love to adopt her(the baby gorilla). I have a wife, two cats and a daughter who hasn't been born yet. I don't think she will make our environment strange. We'll live together." (Note, majority of the comments were in Turkish which have been translated to English for readers.)

You can follow T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı (@tctarim) on Twitter for more information related to the rescued gorilla.