Watch: Viral video shows Russian boxer giving e-cigarette to orangutan; sparks public outrage
Russian boxer Anastasia Luchkina is facing widespread criticism after a video went viral showing her handing an e-cigarette to an orangutan at the Taigan Safari Park in Crimea, as reported by the New York Post.
The orangutan, named Dana, later displayed 'disturbing' behavior, according to Russian outlet zamin.uz. Dana has reportedly lost her appetite, refuses to interact with others, and 'lies motionless throughout the day.' She has lived at the safari park since 2018.
In the video, Luchkina is seen vaping herself before offering it to Dana and then smoking again. It is feared that the orangutan may have swallowed the e-cigarette cartridge, which contains between 2.5–3 ml of nicotine liquid.
Veterinarians are continuing to examine Dana, with test results expected in the coming days.
Dana belongs to an endangered species of orangutans listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
'I didn't know Anastasia was a smoker,' Luchkina's coach, Vladimir Akatov said. 'She is currently on vacation. We will definitely discuss this matter when she returns.'
The incident sparked outrage on social media.
One user on X commented: 'This is animal abuse.
It shouldn't be celebrated in any way.'
Another wrote: 'Has there been any action yet, or are they waiting for the orangutan to file an official complaint against Anastasia Luchkina?'
PETA UK vice president Mimi Bekhechi told SunSport as quoted by NY Post: 'Anastasia Luchkina must have received a few too many knocks to the head if she thinks it's a lark to give an orangutan a vape…a violation of this intelligent, gentle ape's welfare.'
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