A baby gorilla wearing a T-shirt was saved after it was discovered inside a small wooden crate at Istanbul Airport in Turkey.
The animal was part of a cargo shipment that was being transported from Nigeria to Bangkok in Thailand.
Customs enforcement teams from the Ministry of Trade inspected the cargo and identified the baby Western lowland gorilla – an endangered species which should be protected.
They had flagged 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 facing the highest risk of extinction, making its international trade illegal except in rare cases.
After the rescue, officials transferred the baby gorilla to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s care units, Turkiye today reported.
The adorable baby gorilla was found in a wooden crate wearing a T-shirt at the airport
Rehabilitiaiton experts have taken the gorilla to help it regain strength and health after it was left in the box
The baby Western lowland gorilla is an endangered species which should be protected
The cargo had been flagged as part of Turkish Authotiries’ efforts to protect wildlife and natural habitat.
The baby gorilla was part of a shipment that was being transported from Nigeria to Bangkok in Thailand
A Ministry spokesperson said: ‘The little one is doing well. It was confiscated during customs checks while being illegally transported without proper documentation.
The General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks personnel are providing rehabilitation and necessary care.’
‘The gorilla remains under close observation to ensure its recovery,’ they added.
‘Rehabilitation experts are working diligently to help the gorilla regain strength and health. Their care aims to provide a safe environment for the animal’s well-being.’
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