Russian boxer and MMA fighter Anastasia Luchkina sparked a huge outcry after a video posted on social media showed her handing an electronic cigarette through the bars of an orangutan’s cage at a zoo in Crimea. The orangutan not only inhaled and exhaled smoke—but also immediately swallowed the vape mouthpiece.
Since the incident, the zoo’s veterinarian, Vasily Piskovoy, claimed that the female orangutan—the only one of her kind in the Crimean Peninsula—is in a concerning condition: “She barely eats, lies down all day, looks unwell. If she really swallowed the mouthpiece, surgery may be required.”
The zoo itself issued an angry statement: “This is deliberate cruelty to an endangered animal. We’ve been looking for a mate for her for 5 years—and now her life may be at risk.”
Social media exploded with outrage and called for the 24-year-old Russian boxer to be jailed. The organization PETA also joined the attack, with Vice President Mimi Bekhechi saying: “It looks like she’s taken too many punches to the head. This is a serious violation of the welfare of a gentle and intelligent animal.”
Luchkina’s trainer, Vladimir Aktov, squirmed in front of reporters and said: “I didn’t even know she smoked. It was a very stupid act. We’ll talk to her when she returns from vacation.”
But it seems this won’t blow over quietly—the Russian Boxing Federation has already announced a disciplinary investigation: “Anyone who damages our reputation like this also harms the profession, the professional staff, and all the values of the sport. We will take action in accordance with the ethical code.”