Couple Who Chose To Adopt An Orphaned Bear Cub Are Still A Happy Family For Over 23 Years Now

Who wouldn't love to have a giant fur baby around?

Maryjane

• Published in Animal Stories
• September 24, 2022

Most of us would find being around a 400lb brown bear intimidating, let alone hugging and kissing such a fierce beast that can effortlessly tear flesh from bones. But what if I told you that dining and curdling with a bear is just like spending time with our puppies and cats for this lovely couple in Russia?

This is because Svetlana and Yuriy Panteleenko, along with their dog Stepan, have been a happy family for over 23 years! Stepan is a fully grown bear with all of the characteristics that bears are supposed to have.

Stepan was a 3-month-old cub abandoned by his mother when this heartwarming love story began more than two decades ago. The tiny cub was in terrible shape when some hunters discovered him alone in the woods, nearly starving to death.

Because his mother was nowhere to be found in the wilderness, the men took the crying tiny bear, knowing he had no chance of survival. The hunters' single act of kindness completely transformed the bear's life.

They introduced him to Svetlana and Yuriy from Moscow, who agreed to look after the helpless bear cub at least until he recovered completely. But the years have passed, and Stepan now lives with his human parents, who adore him unconditionally.

Svetlana and Yuriy Panteleenko, and their furry companion Stepan – nothing but a full grown up bear – are a happy family

Despite his 7-foot height and 400-pound weight, the massive bear is nothing but a gentle giant! He adores people and is a very sociable bear, despite what others may think of his size and appearance.

This heartwarming love story started more than two decades ago

He is not aggressive at all, and his adoptive parents have never reported being bitten or attempting to bite him. Nonetheless, they treat him with respect because, despite being fully domesticated, Stepan retains deadly instincts and features.

Although he’s around 7-foot and over 400 pounds, the massive bear is nothing but a gentle giant!

As it turns out, he's just like a baby to the Panteleenkos, who understand him on a deeper level. Stepan, who is extremely cute and friendly, enjoys watching TV on the sofa with his human parents, and they occasionally assign him tasks such as watering the flowers or gardening.

They still treat him with respect, because even though Stepan is fully domesticated

Stepan also enjoys snuggling up on the sofa with his parents at night while they watch television. He has many talents and interests, and one of his favourites is going on picnics.

Stepan loves to watch TV on the sofa, alongside his humans

Stepan is also very conscientious about his eating habits. He eats 55 pounds of food every day, according to his adoptive parents, with fish, forest fruits, and vegetables among his favorites, and he is a happy pet overall.

Watch their adorable moments in the video below

There is definitely a limit to the number of animals people can domesticate as pets. The trick here is that these animals that we think cannot be domesticated can actually be domesticated with the proper training, care, and love.

We know you enjoyed this happily ever after story. So, let us know your reactions in the comments section below.

Maryjane