Chimpanzee Smoking Video in China

New Delhi, November 25, 2025: A deeply concerning video capturing a chimpanzee at a Chinese zoo actively smoking a cigarette has recently gone viral, triggering an immediate and intense backlash from animal welfare advocates and the public worldwide. The brief clip, which shows the primate holding the cigarette with notable dexterity and exhaling smoke, was circulated widely across international social media platforms.

Cigarette Acquisition Under Investigation

The incident was reported to have occurred at the Nanning Zoo in Guangxi, China, although a similar event was also recorded at the Hefei Wildlife Park previously. The crucial question of how the chimpanzee obtained the cigarette is currently being investigated by zoo authorities. The most common theory is that the cigarette butt was discarded or was deliberately thrown into the animal’s enclosure by a visitor. The primate’s known curiosity and ability to mimic human behavior are considered the reasons why the cigarette was picked up and was used in the manner seen in the video.

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Zoo Responds to Public Scrutiny

In response to the massive wave of online condemnation, officials from the Nanning Zoo confirmed that they were aware of the viral footage. An internal investigation was immediately launched to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and to ascertain whether a visitor was intentionally involved in provoking the animal. The zoo’s management publicly pledged to strengthen supervision of their animals and to increase efforts to educate visitors. Guests were urgently reminded to behave responsibly and refrain from throwing any objects or food into the animal enclosures, emphasizing that such actions can be extremely detrimental to the animals’ health and well-being.

Animal Welfare Concerns Emphasized

The incident was highlighted by global advocates as a significant animal welfare concern, emphasizing the stress and neglect that can be fostered in captive environments. Chimpanzees are known to be highly intelligent and sensitive, and the act of smoking was viewed not as a novelty but as a dangerous habit that could be forced upon the animal for amusement, or was simply a result of their environment. The footage was used by critics to demand stricter protocols at zoos, particularly regarding visitor interaction and the prevention of harmful objects from reaching the primates.

Previous Incidents Recalled

It was also noted that this is not an isolated incident. Other instances of primates, including gorillas and chimpanzees, being filmed smoking discarded cigarettes in various Chinese zoos have been reported in previous years. These recurring incidents have reinforced the argument that existing security and visitor control measures must be significantly improved across the country’s zoological institutions.