A young Russian boxer has sparked international outrage after filming herself giving a vape to an endangered orangutan at a Crimean safari park, with the animal now showing disturbing signs of illness.
Anastasia Luchkina, a 24-year-old professional boxer from Pyatigorsk, faces a potential fine and lifetime ban from Taigan Safari Park after the shocking footage went viral on social media over the weekend.
The video shows Luchkina taking drags from her pink e-cigarette before repeatedly passing it through the wire fence to Dana, the only orangutan of its kind in Crimea. The primate mimics her actions, inhaling and exhaling visible clouds of vapour multiple times.
According to Russian outlet Zamin.uz, veterinarians fear Dana may have swallowed a plastic fragment of the electronic cigarette containing 2.5-3ml of nicotine liquid, which could cause severe intoxication and digestive problems.
Since the incident, the orangutan has displayed concerning behaviour – losing its appetite, refusing to interact with visitors, and lying motionless throughout the day covered with a towel.
“We are afraid that the plastic fragment of the electronic cigarette that Dana swallowed may cause digestive problems,” veterinarian Vasily Piskovoy told Izvestia. “When exposed to stomach and intestinal acids, plastic begins to release dangerous substances that can poison Dana’s body.”
Dana, who has lived at the Crimean zoo since 2018, is listed in the Red Book of endangered species. Tests are being conducted with results expected in the coming days.
The incident has drawn fierce criticism from animal rights organisations and MMA fans worldwide. PETA UK vice president Mimi Bekhechi condemned Luchkina’s actions, stating: “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.
“This is a violation of this intelligent, gentle ape’s welfare,” Bekhechi told SunSport, noting that Taigan Safari Park has “a shocking track record of negligence.”
Social media users expressed outrage, with one writing: “I hope that poor orangutan didn’t get a disease from that.” Another suggested: “Set the orangutan free and put the boxer in the cage instead.”
A third warned: “The poor ape swallowed the vape pot, that’s gonna be extremely stressful if not deadly for the poor orangutan.”
Taigan Park’s rules strictly prohibit “teasing and frightening animals,” throwing objects into enclosures, and “leaning against and touching the animals with various objects.” The park warns that violators will face consequences.
Luchkina’s coach, Vladimir Akatov, appeared caught off-guard by the incident, telling Russian journalists: “I didn’t know Anastasia was a smoker. She is currently on holiday. We will definitely discuss this matter when she returns.”
The boxer, who recently turned professional, has competed in only one fight – a unanimous decision loss to Indian fighter Vinaskshi at the King of the Himalayan Ring event in Himachal Pradesh last month.
Environmental organisations and social media users are calling for official measures against Luchkina, with many insisting she be held accountable for harming an endangered animal.
“While a human’s mistake can be forgiven, harming an animal is an unforgivable error,” environmental activists stated.
Reports suggest Luchkina could face multiple penalties including a fine for petty hooliganism, a permanent ban from the zoo, and potential prohibition from representing any national team.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare at tourist attractions and the responsibility of visitors to respect wildlife, particularly endangered species like orangutans, which share 96.4% of human genes and are known for their high intelligence.
As of Monday evening, Luchkina had not publicly addressed the backlash, while veterinarians continue monitoring Dana’s condition at the park.
