We are addressing the recent reports regarding the illegal transportation of a baby gorilla in our cargo hold with the utmost seriousness. On December 22, 2024, at Istanbul Airport, a box originating from Nigeria and destined for Bangkok was found to contain a baby gorilla, an endangered species. Following the necessary legal procedures carried out by Customs Enforcement teams and our on-site personnel, the baby gorilla was handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
As Turkish Airlines, we take the highest level of care in adhering to national and international regulations in our legal animal transportation operations. For this reason, we are in full cooperation with the relevant authorities regarding this matter.
As a signatory to the United for Wildlife Buckingham Palace Declaration (UFW), Turkish Airlines supports the goal of responsible transportation to prevent illegal wildlife trade and operates with the awareness that the responsibility for preserving the ecosystem is universal across all our destinations. Turkish Airlines does not tolerate the transportation of wildlife elements that violate the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which are therefore illegal under both international and national laws.
