A Russian boxer is catching major heat after a viral video showed her handing her pink vape pen through the bars to an orangutan, and the endangered primate is now reportedly suffering the consequences.
Anastasia Luchkina, 24, filmed herself at Taigan Safari Park in Crimea taking a drag from her e-cigarette before passing it to orangutan Dana through the wire fence. The clever ape grabbed it, took several puffs, and, according to reports, yanked so hard she swallowed the entire cartridge containing up to 3ml of nicotine liquid.
Dana, the only orangutan in Crimea, who has lived at the park since 2018, has since gone downhill fast. She’s lost her appetite, refuses to interact with others, and “lies motionless throughout the day,” according to local reports.
Vets are monitoring the endangered animal closely for nicotine poisoning and say they may need to operate if the cartridge doesn’t pass naturally. Test results are still pending.
The clip quickly went viral and sparked outrage across social media and from animal rights groups.
PETA UK vice president Mimi Bekhechi didn’t hold back: “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.”
Luchkina has since posted an apology, but the damage was already done.
She’s been kicked out of her fight club, and the Russian Boxing Federation announced a disciplinary investigation into the incident. She could also face a fine and a ban from the park for breaking rules against harassing the animals.
Her coach, Vladimir Akatov, told reporters he had no idea she smoked and said they’d “definitely discuss this matter” when she returns from vacation.
Luchkina, from Pyatigorsk, only recently turned professional. She lost her debut fight last year in India.
The stunt has left animal lovers fuming, and Dana the orangutan is paying the price for one woman’s terrible judgment call.
