24 years ago Svetlana and Yuri Panteleenko, a couple from Russia, added a new family member.. but not one they expected.
Two hunters, friends of the Panteleenko family, brought back a bear club to their doorstep and asked them if they would take care of the little cub.
Because there were no wildlife rehabilitation programs and the mother wasn’t seen around, Yuri and Svetlana agreed to do their best for the little bear.
What they didn’t know was that the surprise visitor would change their lives forever.
The couple adopted Stefan when he was a 3-month-old orphan bear cub
Weak and lonely, two hunters found him in the woods
But Svetlana and Yuri treated him wonderfully
The now 24-year-old bear is a loving and playful friend of the family
“He really loves people and he’s a really sociable bear”
The bear eats 25 kg of eggs, vegetables and fish every day!
After a big meal, he likes to cuddle
