A series of intimate photographs depict a model posing with a 350-kilogram Russian brown bear
Zhana leaped at the chance to picture with the bear, who has had a vegetarian diet since he was a cub and has followers from all around the world.
To organize the shooting, photographer Olga Barantseva contacted Stepan’s owners, Svetlana and Yuriy Panteleenko, who adopted the bear when he was just three months old.
In these photographs, 35-year-old Zhana, originally from Moscow but now residing in Cyprus, can be seen caressing and petting the bear while wearing a tiara and a long white dress.
Zhana (pictured) leapt at the opportunity to photograph with Stepan, who has a global fan base. She stated, “It’s been a lifelong ambition of mine to see a bear up close and watch these amazing creatures roam freely.”
Zhana stated, “I have been a teddy bear artist and toymaker for fourteen years
Since I can recall, I have been infatuated with plush animals, particularly bears; they were my constant friends.
Therefore, after graduating from college, I decided to sew my first toy… Since then, I haven’t stopped.’
Photographer Olga Barantseva coordinated the session with Stepan’s owners, Svetlana and Yuriy Panteleenko, who adopted the bear when he was three months old.
She said, “Recently, I decided to make more realistic bears, and while seeking inspiration, I discovered Stepan.
It has been a lifelong desire of mine to see a bear up close and see these wonderful animals in their natural habitat.
Zhana characterized the bear as “really one-of-a-kind” due to its status as a rescue animal, family member, and buddy.
Stepan was caught by hunters who attempted to sell him on the open market. The bear had several wounds when the Panteleenkos discovered him, so they brought him home so he could recuperate.
She stated, “It is evident in his behavior with his parents. He reciprocates the warmth and regard with which he is treated.
Despite his size and weight, he is so kind that he even holds you with such care.
“I was really fortunate to meet Stepan. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that I will always appreciate.
Zhana stated, “I have been a teddy bear artist and toy manufacturer for 14 years.”
Bears, in particular, have been my constant friends for as long as I can remember.
Olga stated that he has always like shooting people with animals and watched several television broadcasts with Stepan, who has also been in numerous Russian films, a few years ago.
Olga stated that she has always enjoyed shooting people with animals, and a few years ago she watched some television broadcasts featuring the bear, who has also been in several Russian films.
Stepan was caught by hunters who attempted to sell him on the open market.
He was saved by the Panteleenkos when he was a cub.
The animal had several cuts and wounds when he was discovered, so they brought him home so he could recuperate.
The over 2-meter-tall bear occasionally watches television with his owners in the evenings, and he even helps to water the plants.
Zhana characterized Stepan as “really special” since he is “a rescue animal, a member of the family, and a buddy.” She stated, “It’s been a lifelong ambition of mine to see a bear up close and watch these amazing creatures roam freely.”
Olga stated, “I have previously photographed tourists from Japan, China, Thailand, Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, and India.”
She continued, “I believe there is too much evil in the present world, and I wish to demonstrate love.” Love between humans and environment as well as between humans and animals.
“I want to demonstrate that world peace is possible.” I am inspired by Russian fairy tales since they are typically filled with love and generosity and depict a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
»Model poses with a vegetarian-raised grizzly bear that was adopted as a youngster«