A Russian boxer is facing backlash after a video surfaced of her giving a vape to an orangutan at a safari park in Crimea. The footage, which quickly went viral online, shows the orangutan, named Dana, inhaling the vape several times.
Anastasia Luchkina, 24, who recently turned professional in boxing, was identified as the culprit in the video. The incident took place at the Taigan Safari Park, where Dana — the only orangutan in Crimea — has lived since 2018.
The video was first shared on social media, where users expressed shock and concern. Many viewers called the act irresponsible and harmful, since orangutans are an endangered species. Some users commented that the video showed “typical influencer behaviour,” while others called it “disgusting” and “deeply unhealthy.”
HEALTH CONCERNS FOR ORANGUTAN
The safari park has confirmed that Dana has not been well since the incident. Staff believe the orangutan may have swallowed one of the vape cartridges, which typically contain 2.5 to 3 ml of nicotine liquid. Since then, Dana has shown worrying symptoms — she has refused food and has not interacted with visitors.
Veterinarians are currently running tests to determine the extent of the damage. Since the orangutan is included in the “Red Book” of endangered species, it is given extra protection. Officials from the zoo are taking the matter seriously and investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to park rules, it is strictly forbidden for park visitors to tease or frighten animals. Other guidelines prohibit reaching through bars or nets to the animals and throwing objects into enclosures. During the incident, these regulations were obviously broken.
BOXER MAY FACE BAN AND FINE
Local news outlet Zamin.uz reported that Luchkina may face a fine and could be banned from the Taigan Safari Park. Her coach, Vladimir Akatov, told reporters, “I didn’t know Anastasia was a smoker. She is currently on holiday. We will definitely discuss this matter when she returns.”
Luchkina made her professional debut just last month in India, where she lost her first fight against Indian boxer Vinaskshi by unanimous decision at the King of the Himalayan Ring event in Himachal Pradesh.
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