Baran Aladağ builds unique bond with 60 squirrels in Çanakkale

Baran Aladağ, a 41-year-old cemetery worker at the Çanakkale City Cemetery, has developed a unique bond with a growing population of squirrels. What began four years ago with Aladağ feeding two squirrels walnuts has expanded to a group of approximately 60 animals.

Aladağ noted that he can distinguish individual squirrels by their noses and walking styles, naming several of them including Boncuk, Can, Yiğit, Zeytin, and Badem. After several squirrels were killed by vehicles, Aladağ shared his experiences on social media to raise awareness, resulting in over 7.5 million views and attracting visitors to the cemetery to see the animals.

Supported by Çanakkale Mayor Muharrem Erkek and local philanthropists, Aladağ researches the animals' needs to ensure their well-being. He emphasized that the squirrels must remain in the wild rather than being kept as pets, as they require a natural environment to stay healthy.