Russian boxer Anastasia Luchkina found herself at the center of an international scandal after a video showed her forcing an orangutan to vape.
What happened?
Lent.az reports, citing foreign media, that in the "Taigan" safari park in the occupied Crimean peninsula, a girl filmed herself holding an e-cigarette to the face of the only orangutan in the region, named Dana.
The animal has lived in the Crimean zoo since 2018 and is listed in the Red Book.
The animal's condition is serious
The primate was forced to inhale the vapor several times, after which it began to exhibit "disturbed" behavior.
According to park staff, the animal has lost its appetite, refuses to interact with visitors, and there are also suspicions that it may have swallowed a large nicotine cartridge containing 2.5-3 milliliters of aromatic liquid.
According to the veterinarian of the Crimean park, ingestion of this liquid is very dangerous and can cause severe intoxication.
Wave of outrage on social media
Park rules directly prohibit frightening, touching, or feeding animals, but Luchkina deliberately ignored these rules.
Her actions caused a sharp reaction on social networks - users demand that she be banned from performing in the ring and brought to justice.
Comments include calls to "put her in a cage" or "put the monkey in a safe environment." The boxer herself has not provided any explanation. Her coach said he was unaware of the cigarette. Meanwhile, the animal's condition is under the supervision of veterinarians.