Sweet moment baby gorilla wearing a T-shirt is saved at an airport after being found hidden in a small wooden crate
A baby gorilla wearing a T-shirt was rescued after being discovered in a small wooden box at Istanbul Airport in Turkey.
The animal was part of a cargo shipment being transported from Nigeria to Bangkok, Thailand.
Customs enforcement teams from the Department of Commerce inspected the cargo and identified the baby western lowland gorilla – an endangered species in need of protection.
They had marked the cargo as part of their efforts to protect wildlife and natural habitat.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) identifies the species as one at greatest risk of extinction, making its international trade illegal except in rare cases.
After the rescue, officials transferred the baby gorilla to the care units of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Turkiye reports this today.
The adorable baby gorilla was found at the airport in a wooden box and wearing a T-shirt
Rehabilitation experts took the gorilla to help him regain strength and health after being left in the box
The baby western lowland gorilla is an endangered species that must be protected
The cargo was marked as part of Turkish authorities’ efforts to protect wildlife and natural habitats.
The baby gorilla was part of a shipment being transported from Nigeria to Bangkok, Thailand
A ministry spokesperson said: ‘The little one is doing well. It was seized during customs checks while being transported illegally without proper documentation.
The staff of the Directorate General of Nature Conservation and National Parks provides rehabilitation and necessary care.’
“The gorilla is being closely monitored to ensure its recovery,” she added.
‘Rehabilitation experts are working hard to help the gorilla regain its strength and health. Their care is aimed at providing a safe environment for the well-being of the animal.”