New wildlife smuggling incident in Türkiye: Baby rhesus monkey rescued at bus terminal

Security personnel at the Antalya intercity bus terminal found a baby rhesus monkey hidden inside a parcel sent from Ankara. The discovery was made during a routine X-ray screening after the parcel was left unclaimed.

The package raised suspicions when movement was detected during the scan. Security officers opened the parcel and found the monkey confined in a wooden crate with air holes.

Baby rhesus monkey rescued from smuggling at Antalya bus terminal

The team immediately contacted municipal police and Nature Conservation officials. M.K., the individual who later arrived to claim the parcel, stated, “It was a gift. I didn’t know what was inside.” Officials prepared a report against him for possessing a prohibited animal species in violation of Türkiye’s wildlife laws.

The rhesus monkey was safely transferred to the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Natural Life Park. Veterinarians conducted a health check and began a 15-day rehabilitation program.

Security personnel acted quickly after noticing unusual movement in x-ray scan

The unusual movement detected during the X-ray scan prompted a closer inspection. A security officer explained, “At first, we thought it might be a cat, but after looking again, we realized it was a monkey.” CCTV footage captured the entire process, showing how the x-ray scan confirmed the presence of a live animal inside the crate.

The footage also shows security officials removing the rhesus monkey and notifying relevant authorities. The monkey is now receiving care at the Natural Life Park, where specialists are monitoring its health.

Another illegal wildlife smuggling attempt discovered at Turkish bus terminal

In a separate incident at the Antalya bus terminal, officials seized a 115-centimeter (approximately 45-inch) swordfish. The fish lacked proper transport documentation and was being carried in unsuitable conditions. Authorities confiscated the fish and disposed of it, according to veterinary and fisheries regulations.

The Antalya Metropolitan Municipality emphasized the importance of monitoring transport activities to prevent illegal wildlife trade and ensure food safety. Security personnel at the terminal continue to remain vigilant against such activities, safeguarding both wildlife and public health.

Endangered baby gorilla recently rescued at Istanbul Airport

In a separate wildlife smuggling case earlier this week, customs officers at Istanbul Airport intercepted a critically endangered baby gorilla during a routine cargo inspection.

The shipment, originating from Nigeria and destined for Bangkok, raised suspicions and was flagged for further inspection by the Customs Enforcement Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate.

The baby gorilla, identified as a Western lowland gorilla, is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), making its international trade illegal except in exceptional circumstances. The Ministry of Trade stated, “The little one was being transported without proper documentation and was immediately confiscated.”

The rescued gorilla is now under the care of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s specialized units. Officials confirmed that the animal is receiving rehabilitation and monitoring from wildlife experts. “The gorilla is recovering well and remains under close observation to ensure its health and safety,” the ministry added.