A model has been captured in a series of intimate portraits posing with a 350kg Russian brown bear.
Zhana jumped at the chance to pose with the bear, who has attracted fans from all over the world and has been on a vegetarian diet since he was little.
Photographer Olga Barantseva contacted Stepan’s owners, Svetlana and Yuriy Panteleenko, who adopted the bear when he was just three months old, to arrange the photo shoot.
In this photo collection, Zhana, who is originally from Moscow but now lives in Cyprus, can be seen cuddling and petting the bear, wearing a tiara and a long white dress.
Zhana (photo) jumped at the chance to pose with Stepan, which attracts fans from all over the world. She said: ‘It has been a lifelong dream to see a bear up close and watch these magnificent animals roam freely’
Zhana said, “I’m a 14-year-old teddy bear artist and toymaker.
“Ever since I can remember I’ve been obsessed with plush toys, especially bears, they were my constant companions.
“So after graduating from college, I decided to try sewing my first toy…I haven’t stopped since.”
Photographer Olga Barantseva contacted Stepan’s owners, Svetlana and Yuriy Panteleenko, who adopted the bear when he was just three months old, to arrange the photo shoot.
She added: “Recently I decided to switch to making more realistic bears and while looking for inspiration I discovered Stepan.
“It’s been a lifelong dream to see a bear up close and see these magnificent animals roam freely.
Zhana described the bear as “truly unique” for being “a rescue [animal]a family member and a friend.
Stepan was captured by hunters who tried to sell the baby bear in the market. The bear had several cuts and wounds when the Panteleenkos found him, so they took him home to recover
She said: “It shows in the way he behaves with his mum and dad. He is treated with such kindness and respect, and he gives it back.
‘He’s soft, he even holds you so tenderly despite his size and weight.
“I was very lucky to meet Stepan. It’s a unique experience that I will cherish forever.
Zhana said, “I’m a 14-year-old teddy bear artist and toymaker. “Ever since I can remember I’ve been obsessed with plush toys, especially bears, they were my constant companions”
Olga said that he always liked to photograph people with animals and saw TV shows a few years ago with Stepan, who also starred in many Russian films.
Olga said that she always liked to photograph people with animals and saw TV shows a few years ago with the bear, which also starred in many Russian films.
Stepan was captured by hunters who tried to sell the baby bear in the market.
The Panteleenkos saved him when he was little.
The animal had several cuts and wounds when they found him, so they brought him home to recover.
The bear, which is over 7 feet tall, sometimes sits down in the evening to watch TV with its owners, and it even helps water the plants.
Zhana described Stepan as “really unique” for being “a rescue [animal], a family member and a friend. She said: ‘It has been a lifelong dream to see a bear up close and watch these magnificent animals roam freely’
Olga said: “I have photographed people who have traveled from Japan, China, Thailand, Austria, Switzerland, Mexico and India before.”
She added, “I think there’s too much evil in the modern world, and what I want to show is love.” Love between people and nature, and between people and animals.
“What I want to show is that the world can live in harmony. I am inspired by Russian fairy tales – because they are usually full of love and kindness, where people and nature live in harmony.’
