Zapashny: problems with bananas are unlikely to affect elephants and monkeys in Russia

The Kommersant newspaper, citing a source, wrote that retail chains are experiencing problems with the supply of Ecuadorian bananas to Russia. The interruptions were caused by poor harvests in Ecuador, high demand and rising wholesale prices. In turn, the Association of Retail Companies assured RIA Novosti that retailers are cooperating with suppliers from different countries, banana stocks are high, so buyers will not be left without fruit.

“To say that there is an urgent need for any of the popular species of animals in bananas is not worth it. Of course, we need to delve into the question: are there any animals that cannot live without bananas? There are hardly any. If the animal is herbivore, I think it is easy to find an alternative if other foods are available. Yes, maybe the yummy will disappear from the table, but many other yummy things: oranges, kiwi, pineapples. There are no problems with this so far, in Ethiopia, for example, ”said the general director of the Bolshoi Moscow Circus in the program“ Wildlife with Edgard Zapashny ”on Sputnik radio.

He also noted that bananas are among the most popular fruits in the world, and certain stereotypes about animals are associated with them.

“For example, that monkeys love bananas and are ready to sell their homeland, if only these bananas exist. Not true. I once was the owner of five pig-tailed macaques. The leader of the pack, his name was Paris, hated bananas, but was madly in love with tomatoes. Indeed, I was ready to exchange anything for a tomato”, - said Edgard Zapashny.

Also, according to him, the elephant Nicole appeared in the Bolshoi Moscow Circus about six months ago. At first, she ate bananas with pleasure, but as her diet expanded, she stopped giving them preference. Recently, Nicole generally fell in love with crackers, buns and any other baked goods, and began to throw bananas aside.