Nigeria is set to welcome back an endangered baby gorilla named Zeytin, which was rescued from smugglers at Istanbul Airport on December 22, 2024.

The primate, weighing just 9 kilograms at the time of rescue, was discovered hidden in cargo bound for Thailand after being illegally trafficked from Nigeria.

According to Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Zeytin has been under rehabilitation at Polonezkoy Zoo in Istanbul, where he is now healthy, active and weighs 16 kilogrammes.

Once weak and terrified, the baby gorilla has since gained confidence, often playing with toys and even beating his chest. His name, Zeytin (which means Olive), was chosen in a nationwide public poll that attracted wide participation in Türkiye.

Officials say Nigeria formally requested his repatriation under the international CITES wildlife protection rules, and confirmed that plans are underway to transfer him to Drill Ranch, a primate rehabilitation centre in Cross River State that is part of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance.

Experts insist that joining other gorillas is vital for Zeytin’s social and physical development, something that cannot be achieved in Türkiye despite the care he has received.

The Ministry’s Directorate General of Nature Conservation and National Parks has monitored Zeytin’s recovery closely, noting that he has grown from 9 to 16 kilogrammes under proper veterinary supervision.

Although Zeytin has become an icon in Türkiye since his rescue, conservationists argue that his return to Nigeria is crucial to prevent further isolation and to protect him from renewed trafficking.

His case has also reignited concerns over illegal wildlife trade routes between Africa and Asia, raising questions about how many more endangered animals might be caught in similar networks without strong enforcement.