24.10.2025 13:43
The DNA test conducted on the baby gorilla 'Zeytin', which was taken under protection at Istanbul Airport, revealed that the animal is not of Nigerian origin. Thus, it was decided that Zeytin would remain in Turkey.
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The teams of the Ministry of Trade's Customs Protection Smuggling and Intelligence Department monitored a cage-type cargo that appeared to be coming from Nigeria and arriving in Bangkok on December 22, 2024. Upon examining the box, the teams seized an endangered baby gorilla inside.
NIGERIA REQUESTED RETURN, DNA TEST CONDUCTED
The baby gorilla named "Zeytin" was taken into rehabilitation and cared for by the personnel of the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP). During this process, Nigeria requested the return of Zeytin. In the examination during the return process, it was decided to conduct a DNA test to clarify whether Zeytin truly belonged to Nigeria.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN NOT NIGERIA
In the DNA test conducted under the coordination of Ankara University Evolutionary Genetics Laboratory and carried out with whole genome sequencing, it was determined that Zeytin is a Western Lowland gorilla. With this development, it was understood that Nigeria is not the country of origin of Zeytin.
ZEYTİN WILL STAY IN TURKEY
In a statement made on the subject from DKMP's social media account, it was stated, "According to the decisions taken at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Conference of the Parties (COP-19), while determining placement locations for confiscated animals, it has been committed to provide humane conditions and appropriate care for the duration of their lives. Additionally, due to Nigeria not being the country of origin, it has been decided to place Zeytin in a zoo in Turkey in accordance with COP-19 decisions. Just as it has been so far, Zeytin will continue to live in safe hands and will receive the necessary care meticulously. As Turkey, we will continue to work with great dedication to carry our rich biological diversity and wildlife into the future."
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