Turkey decides to keep baby gorilla “Zeytin” after DNA test confirms non-Nigerian origin

Ankara, Türkiye — A baby gorilla seized at Istanbul Airport late last year will remain in Türkiye after DNA testing revealed the animal did not originate from Nigeria, contrary to earlier claims, the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) announced.

“Zeytin,” as the young gorilla has come to be known by the public, was discovered on 21 December 2024 inside cargo designated for transit from Nigeria to Thailand. Authorities quickly identified that the transportation lacked a required document under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) — a global treaty protecting endangered wildlife from illegal trade.

Following the seizure, the gorilla was transported for veterinary examination and has since been kept under protective care at a zoo in Istanbul.

Nigerian Repatriation Request Reconsidered

Since the confiscation, Nigerian authorities requested the animal’s return, invoking CITES rules that allow the exporting country to reclaim seized wildlife.

DKMP stated that Türkiye initially began planning the repatriation process, taking into account factors such as the animal’s safety, stress levels, and environmental conditions during transport.

However, Turkish authorities also stressed that proper assurances were needed to ensure the gorilla would not fall back into illegal wildlife trade networks upon return.

DNA Test Reveals Western Lowland Gorilla Species

During the repatriation preparations, a key question emerged: Was Zeytin truly of Nigerian origin?

To clarify, a full-genome DNA test was conducted under the coordination of Ankara University’s Evolutionary Genetics Laboratory. The results confirmed that Zeytin belongs to the Western Lowland Gorilla species — a species not native to Nigeria.

“This scientific evidence shows Nigeria is not the country of origin,” the DKMP said in its statement, noting that this finding required a reassessment of the entire process.

Zeytin to Stay in Türkiye

Under decisions from the CITES Parties Conference (COP-19), the long-term placement of confiscated animals must ensure humane conditions and lifelong proper care.

Given the DNA findings and updated compliance with international conventions, officials determined that Zeytin will remain in Türkiye and continue living under zoo protection.

“Zeytin will continue to receive the utmost care and protection,” the DKMP emphasized, adding that Türkiye remains committed to safeguarding biological diversity and combating illegal wildlife trafficking.

Zeytin has already gained nationwide attention and public affection — and now, thanks to science and animal welfare laws, the young gorilla’s future in Türkiye has been secured.