Gorilla smuggling plot uncovered after Istanbul Airport seizure
A wildlife official has acknowledged the challenges in pursuing legal action against those involved in the attempted trafficking of a baby gorilla, initially seized in Turkey and allegedly destined for Thailand.
The gorilla, named Zeytin, meaning olive in Turkish, is now at a zoo in Turkey and reportedly in good health, according to Sadudee Punpugdee, director of the Wild Fauna and Flora Protection Division. Since being intercepted en route from Nigeria to Thailand, Zeytin has grown 10 centimetres, gained 2 kilogrammes, and is estimated to be five months old.
Investigations have linked the gorilla to a farm in Nakhon Pathom. The crate carrying Zeytin was labelled as containing 50 rabbits and was addressed to this farm.
The inquiry was conducted collaboratively by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Livestock Department, and the Customs Department.
Sadudee, also representing CITES, expressed scepticism that any parties in Thailand will be held accountable. However, he confirmed that coordination efforts with CITES representatives in Nigeria and Turkey are ongoing to dismantle the smuggling network responsible for the incident.
Officials suspect that Zeytin was targeted by a gorilla baby smuggling operation based at Chatuchak Market in Bangkok. The buyer is believed to be a wealthy businessman with a penchant for exotic animals.
The gorilla was smuggled in a wooden crate on a flight from Nigeria to Bangkok and was seized by the Customs Enforcement Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate at Istanbul airport on December 21.
TK Farm in Nakhon Pathom, the intended recipient of the shipment, is a registered animal importer and breeder with a presence in Chatuchak Market, according to police. The farm’s owner stated that an African man had approached the company for assistance in importing 50 rabbits, reported Bangkok Post.
The company agreed to manage the import procedures for 150,000 baht (US$4,346) but denied any knowledge of the gorilla.
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