24-year-old Russian MMA fighter Anastasia Luchkina is facing widespread criticism after giving her vape to Dana the orangutan at the Taigan Safari Park in Crimea.
Luchkina took a puff herself before reaching through the wire fence and offering the device to the caged orangutan. The animal then put the vape to its mouth, recoiled, and exhaled smoke. In a video Luchkina shared herself, she allowed the orangutan several more puffs before leaving.
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Dana with the vaping device. Photo: Daily Star |
Dana with the vaping device. Photo: Daily Star
Luchkina's actions sparked outrage on social media, with accusations of animal abuse. Many believe she should be banned from competing in MMA events.
Mimi Bekhechi, vice president of PETA UK, criticized Luchkina's actions. "She must have been hit in the head too many times to think this was a joke," Bekhechi said.
Luchkina is likely to face penalties and be banned from the safari park.
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Dana the orangutan exhales smoke after vaping. Photo: Daily Star |
Dana the orangutan exhales smoke after vaping. Photo: Daily Star
According to local media, Dana, the only orangutan at the Taigan Safari Park, has lost its appetite, refuses to interact, and "lies motionless all day." Some reports suggest the orangutan may have swallowed part of the vape device's core, containing about 3 ml of liquid nicotine.
Dana's condition is a concern because the species is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Doctors are continuing to monitor the animal's condition.
Hoai Anh (Daily Star)
