Additional Coverage:
A young gorilla named Zeytin, rescued from a plane’s cargo hold, is recovering at an Istanbul zoo. Wildlife officials are considering returning him to his natural habitat in Africa.
Discovered last month in a box on a flight from Nigeria to Thailand, Zeytin has gained weight and is showing signs of recovery from his traumatic journey.
Officials hope to create a safe environment for Zeytin’s eventual return. Both western and eastern gorillas, which inhabit Africa’s forests and mountains, are classified as endangered.
As Istanbul becomes a major air hub, customs officials have intercepted more illegally traded animals, including crocodiles and monitor lizards in October.