A 5-month-old gorilla was rescued from the cargo hold of a plane and is now recovering at a zoo in Istanbul as wildlife officials consider returning it to its natural habitat. The gorilla was found last month in a crate on a Turkish Airlines flight from Nigeria to Thailand, CBS News reported in January. After a public competition, he was named Zeytin, which means olive, and is recovering.

Zeytin Gains Weight

Weeks after being found at the airport, Zeytin has gained weight and is showing signs of recovery from his traumatic journey.

“When he first came, he was very shy, he would stay where we left him,” said veterinarian Gulfem Esmen. “Now he doesn’t have that shyness. He doesn’t even care much about us. He plays games by himself.”

Of course, what we want and desire is for the baby gorilla … to continue his life in his homeland,” Fahrettin Oulu, Istanbul’s regional director for nature conservation and national parks, said on Sunday.

“The important thing is that an absolutely safe environment is created wherever he goes,” he added.

Illegal trade appears to pass through Istanbul

As Istanbul becomes a major air hub between continents, customs officials are increasingly catching illegally traded animals. In October, 17 young Nile crocodiles and 10 monitor lizards were found in the luggage of an Egyptian passenger at the city’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

Illustrative Photo by Andrea Acanfora: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-an-infant-gorilla-7268737/

The Romanian Orthodox Church encourages Christians to donate their organs when it is necessary to save the life of another person. This is clear from a text recently published on the official website of the Romanian Patriarchate.

A living person can donate a part of the liver, bone marrow or a kidney to a terminally ill person. The Church encourages this donation when it is an act of love for the sick person, is not a “subject of transactions”, is carried out voluntarily and with the full mental clarity of the donor, with a clearly expressed written consent. The Church blesses people who can possibly make such sacrifices, but also understands those who cannot do so, respecting the freedom of decision of each person.

Until now, the Church had been involved in the public debate on the use of organs of a deceased person for transplantation. According to the Church’s position, organ donation is an act of self-giving for one’s neighbor and can be encouraged, but excluding the possibility of abuse. “Although it is claimed that donation is an expression of love, it in no way creates a moral obligation to donate; the act of donation is a complete and unquestionable manifestation of free will. Only the donor’s conscious consent reveals his love and spirit of sacrifice, trust and interest in his neighbor.” Consent may be given by relatives, but only after “the law has provided clear rules regarding consent in order to avoid doubts about the sale of organs by relatives.”

Furthermore, in order to prevent abuses, such as are possible when it comes to life-saving and expensive operations, the church’s position states: “Death as the effective cessation of life implies: 1) cardiac arrest; 2) lack of spontaneous breathing; 3) brain death. These three conditions must be fulfilled simultaneously and completely in order to avoid regrettable errors.” And further: “Death as the separation of the soul from the body remains a mystery. No one will be able to say with certainty that this separation coincides with brain death; can coincide with, precede or follow brain death. Being created in the image of God, man is valuable to the extent that his original image is reflected in him. As long as he fulfills the commandment of love and remains in God, who is love, he is a member of the Church of Christ. From this point of view, donating an organ, tissue and even a drop of blood out of love for his neighbor means the self-giving and sacrifice of the whole person in the same mystical Body of Christ, which excludes the view of the human body as a mere means of physically healing someone or as a storehouse for spare organs”.

The Church cannot agree with the transplantation of embryonic tissues, which carries a risk of affecting the health of the fetus, nor with the use of the organs of acephalic or hydrocephalic newborns for transplantation. In the same way, we cannot agree with the tendency for some to become organ donors on condition that they are euthanized.

It also calls for the rejection of “any transactions with human organs and any exploitation of critical situations and vulnerabilities of potential donors (those deprived of mental or physical freedom and other vulnerable social groups)”.

Regarding doctors involved in the transplantation process, it says: “The gift of knowledge and discovery comes from God; man has the responsibility to use this knowledge not against his neighbor and the world, but to maintain the dignified presence of the person in creation and to realize the meaning of existence. In this context, the doctor must be aware that he is an instrument and collaborator of God in eliminating the manifestation of evil in the world as suffering.”

Illustrative photo: Orthodox icon of Virgin Mary The Healer

If you’re a proud cat owner, you’ve probably already encountered this scenario: you’re cozying up on the couch or in bed, and your furry friend immediately climbs on top of you and starts napping. But why exactly is your body the preferred sleeping spot? Let’s take a look at the reasons behind this adorable (and sometimes uncomfortable) feline behavior.

1. Heat is irresistible

Cats are true “heat lovers”. Their normal body temperature range is around 38–39°C, which makes them sensitive to the cold. Your body radiates constant heat, making it the perfect “cat heater”.

Especially during the cold seasons, this desire for warmth becomes even stronger. You are their mobile radiator!

2. Your scent soothes them

Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell and recognize your scent. It brings them a sense of security and comfort. When they are on you, they literally immerse themselves in your familiar scent, which acts as a “cat’s lullaby.”

3. Territorial behavior

Cats are territorial animals and love to mark what they consider “theirs.” When they lie on you, they leave their pheromones – a way of declaring that you are part of their territory.

This is a kind of compliment: “You are mine and I love you.”

4. Proof of affection

Contrary to the opinion that cats are cold and distant, they are actually very affectionate towards their owners. Sleeping on you is an expression of trust and love.

This behavior is usually observed in cats that feel completely safe and comfortable in your presence.

5. Heartbeat

Cats love rhythmic sounds, and your heartbeat is one of them. It calms them and reminds them of the time when they were kittens, snuggled up next to their mother.

This explains why they often prefer to sleep on your chest, where they can hear the rhythmic beating.

6. Comfort and Viewpoint

Cats love high, protected places from which they can observe everything. Your body – be it your chest, legs or belly – is comfortable and offers them an ideal vantage point to control “their territory”.

What does this mean for you?

If your cat likes to sleep on you, it’s a great sign that she trusts you completely. You are her source of warmth, comfort and security.

What to do if it’s uncomfortable?

Although the behavior is endearing, it can sometimes be annoying – for example, when you wake up with a numb hand or a heavy feeling in your chest. Here’s what you can do:

• Provide alternatives: Arrange a cozy bed near you. Add a soft blanket or something with your scent to make it inviting.

• Restrict access to the bed: If you want to sleep peacefully, you can train your cat to use his own bed.

• Encourage daytime play: A tired cat is less likely to climb on you for a nap. Sleeping on you isn’t just comfortable for your cat—it’s a way for her to express her love. Your presence is her home, and your warmth is her sanctuary. So the next time your cat snuggles up to you, remember—she’s saying “I love you” in her own language.

Illustrative Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-cute-sleeping-cat-416160/