Gorilla Rescued from Cargo Plane Finds New Hope in Istanbul Zoo
In a remarkable tale of resilience and compassion, a five-month-old gorilla, aptly named Zeytin—meaning "Olive" in Turkish—has been rescued from the shadows of a plane’s cargo hold and is now recovering at a zoo in Istanbul. His journey, however, is far from over, as wildlife officials are considering the possibility of returning him to his natural habitat.
Zeytin’s ordeal began last month when he was discovered in a box on a Turkish Airlines flight that had traveled from Nigeria to Thailand. After capturing the hearts of many, a public competition was held to name the young gorilla, reflecting a community’s desire to embrace and celebrate his return to health. Today, he is recuperating at Polonezkoy Zoo, where experts are hopeful for his future.
"What we want and desire is for the baby gorilla … to continue its life in its homeland," stated Fahrettin Ulu, the regional director of Istanbul Nature Conservation and National Parks. This sentiment resonates with the biblical principle of stewardship—caring for creation and ensuring that all creatures thrive in their rightful environments. Just as the Bible teaches us to tend to both the earth and its inhabitants, rescuing Zeytin reflects a collective responsibility toward our fellow beings.
In the weeks since his rescue, Zeytin has shown remarkable progress: he has gained weight and is exhibiting playful behavior, shedding the shyness he had upon arrival. Gulfem Esmen, a veterinarian at the zoo, remarked, "When he first came, he was very shy… Now, he doesn’t even care about us much. He plays games by himself." This transformation is a reminder of the nourishing power of love, care, and community support, something that aligns with Christ’s teachings about love and compassion for all living beings.
Importantly, both the western and eastern gorilla species are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in wildlife conservation. In recent years, authorities in Istanbul have heightened their vigilance against the illegal animal trade, with customs officials increasingly intercepting attempts to smuggle wildlife through the city. Just last October, officials rescued 17 young Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards from an Egyptian passenger’s luggage.
The narrative surrounding Zeytin is also an allegory for human compassion—reminding us of the scripture from Proverbs 12:10: "The righteous care for the needs of their animals." In this context, Zeytin’s rescue isn’t merely about a baby gorilla; it symbolizes our greater duty to care for all creation, as appointed stewards of the earth.
As we reflect on Zeytin’s journey, let it inspire each of us to consider the ways we can extend compassion and responsibility towards the world around us. Whether it’s through advocacy for endangered species or acts of kindness towards our fellow humans, we all have a role to play in fostering a world of love and respect for life in all its forms. In caring for others, we embody the spirit of community and stewardship that leads to a brighter, more harmonious future for all.
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