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Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They’re Best Buddies Now

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Though Russia’s coat of arms is a double-headed eagle, the bear is the unofficial mascot of Russia, and some might say even more popular and widely associated with the country. While the rest of the world prefers cats and dogs, seemingly only Russians can prefer bears as pets. Today’s story is exactly about that.

Novosibirsk resident Veronica Dichka can proudly say that Archie is her trusty companion. Archie, who is also from Novosibirsk, was initially rescued from a circus by Maya Kirsanova as a cub. He lived in a safari park along with a few other bears until it had to close down due to the pandemic. As time passed, it became increasingly difficult to maintain the shelter, and that’s where the brave Veronica came into the picture and adopted him. It’s worth mentioning that Veronica previously worked with the bear on a few photoshoots, but was only an acquaintance to Archie. But now they’re inseparable, and the photos you’ll see below are a testament to their special relationship.

More info: Instagram | tiktok.com

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Meet Veronica and Archie, a bear rescued from the circus two years ago because it didn’t get enough food

Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They're Best Buddies Now

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Veronica adopted Archie later on, as the bear didn’t have a reliable shelter after the local zoo was closed due to the pandemic

Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They're Best Buddies Now

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Image credits: dichkaaaaa

Archie was born in captivity, and couldn’t survive without the help of humans

Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They're Best Buddies Now

Image credits: dichkaaaaa

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The unlikely couple are from Novosibirsk, Russia, and they have a jovial relationship

Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They're Best Buddies Now

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Archie is very smart, knows a lot of tricks and is very disciplined

Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They're Best Buddies Now

Image credits: dichkaaaaa

Veronica is a model, a professional dancer, and a passionate fishing enthusiast

Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They're Best Buddies Now

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Archie recently even joined Veronica on a fishing trip

Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They're Best Buddies Now

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Archie is very well fed as opposed to before. He doesn’t even need to hibernate

Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They're Best Buddies Now

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Veronica knows the true meaning of a bear hug

Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They're Best Buddies Now

Image credits: dichkaaaaa

They spend every day together

Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They're Best Buddies Now

Image credits: dichkaaaaa

Archie sees Veronica as a member of his family. They share food, Archie sleeps in her arms, and hides behind her when afraid

Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They're Best Buddies Now

Image credits: dichkaaaaa

Archie and Veronica are happy to have each other

Russian Woman Rescued A Bear From A Closed-Down Zoo, And They're Best Buddies Now

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21Kviews

Hidrėlėy

Fascinated by music, movies and sitcoms, I'm passionate about social media and can't live without the internet, especially for all the cute dog and cat pictures out there. I wish the day had about 40 hours to be able to do everything I want.

Fascinated by music, movies and sitcoms, I'm passionate about social media and can't live without the internet, especially for all the cute dog and cat pictures out there. I wish the day had about 40 hours to be able to do everything I want.

Titas Burinskas

This dude right here? He works as a Community Manager at Bored Panda. Has no back-story, cause his spine works just fine. He writes about himself in third-person, and in first-person about others. Fell in love with storytelling and cannot let that love go. Now, he's here to help you make your own story simply beautiful. Secretly makes cute music samples and writes stories in the dark that nobody has ever heard of before.

This dude right here? He works as a Community Manager at Bored Panda. Has no back-story, cause his spine works just fine. He writes about himself in third-person, and in first-person about others. Fell in love with storytelling and cannot let that love go. Now, he's here to help you make your own story simply beautiful. Secretly makes cute music samples and writes stories in the dark that nobody has ever heard of before.

What do you think ?

Aliquid A 3 years ago

Her motivation seems more about getting good photoshoots, rather than caring about the welfare of the animal.

36points

Troux 3 years ago

Why can't it be both? Just because she wants attention doesn't mean she starves and abuses animals.

34points

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suvani subba 3 years ago

The bear is happy and healthy and doesnt seem camera shy. If the photoshoot and modelling is making money then good for her. At least he is fed and loved well by her.

13points

HoneyBun Arts 3 years ago (edited)

I have to agree. The bear needs to go to a rescue.

7points

Susan Green 3 years ago

That’s true.

2points

Michael Goldsholl 3 years ago

You are be a sad negative liberal who has no live in their heart. She doesn’t need you or your negative nothing

0points

Linda HS 3 years ago (edited)

As much as I love the fact that the bear was saved, I do not agree with this style of life for the bear. She is so much into posing and getting “likes” and so on, that I am afraid that everybody will want a bear or a lion or a tiger or something exotic to get “likes” and followers and so on…As I said, thank you for saving him, but this is just not ok.

34points

Sark Aztik 3 years ago

Most people aren't that stupid. They know bears are dangerous and steer clear of them. The situation in this article has happened on several occasions in Russia for over a decade now (at least on social media, mostly definitely longer outside of it) and a sudden "exotic pet" craze has not begun. I'm all for "do what you want if it only affects you.". If she wants to take the risk of having a bear instead of finding a more suitable home for it, that's her decision so long as she doesn't neglect it... just a very stupid one.

4points

Load More Replies...

Gabby M 3 years ago (edited)

The pictures made me uncomfortable.

19points

Rannveig Ess 3 years ago

He's not a prop for attention in your social media shoots. He belongs in a wildlife refuge where he can have stimulus that's in measure with being a bear, learn to fish and search for food (that will always be there) and play, like a bear.

18points

Sark Aztik 3 years ago

Probably the only sensible comment I've seen, although you assuming she treats it only as a prop for photoshoots is based out of ignorance as opposed to facts. You don't know how she treats it the 99% of the time she's not on camera.

5points

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Enea 3 years ago

Please stop featuring posts of young women 'rescuing' exotic animals and then posing with them. This is the third post about Russian professional models, who all happen to be very experienced caretakers, and their exotic pets. It creates a dangerous precedence, and it's your responsibility to stop featuring these unlikely 'rescue' stories. There are actually institutions that work to save animals and maintain proper sanctuaries. Please feature them.

17points

Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago

Yes! Please do that, BP.

6points

Load More Replies...

Johnny 3 years ago

Well, "best friends" until some day when the bear is hungry or she does something to activate his prey drive.

14points

BluEyedSeoulite 3 years ago

If she happens to have a friend that is a photographer and they take some shots while she is playing with Archie, no harm and those are the pics I like anyway. The other super staged ones aren't great and makes Archie seem like a prop

9points

Susan Green 3 years ago

He is just a prop for her.

6points

Load More Replies...

F. H. 3 years ago

I always have doubts about these stories. It seems to be rather easy to get exotic pets in Russia and some people keep them just for the publicity. It looks like this is the case here.

8points

Sark Aztik 3 years ago

Because she has some photos with the bear and acts super serious in them? That's your logic? She doesn't live in front of the camera, so you've no idea how she treats it.

2points

Load More Replies...

Rens 3 years ago

As long as the bear is well fed and taking care of who cares whether she takes photos or not. The bear looks happy and healthy and if that has how they make good money, why not? If anybody wants to be outraged why don't they get outraged about circuses still having animals performing in them??

6points

anarkzie 3 years ago (edited)

This seems like a very one sided relationship, I don't see her trying out any bear activities in any of the photos. I want to see some photos of her salmon fishing.

5points

Zydakohdee-O 3 years ago

I just worry for the woman. Wild animals, even those born in captivity, are still wild. They still have urges and instincts of a wild animals. They weren't domesticated for centuries to have bread those urges out. This will be another travesty that we will read about a few years from now. People always seem to think "but he loves me" or " she's my bff, she wouldn't ever hurt me." Worst case is she'll survive the attack and half her face will be shredded from her head.

5points

Heather G 3 years ago

Even domesticated animals like cats will bite at you. Difference is size. You will likely only have an "ow" reaction to a cat's bite. A bear who is not bread to live with humans is going to have a very different reaction

2points

Load More Replies...

Erick Blood 3 years ago

They have a jovial relationship? Looks like to me they’re dating.

4points

FatRabbit 3 years ago

Insane. And what's the betting there's someone with a gun just out of camera range ready to put a bullet in the bear if it all goes wrong? This is still exploitation, it's just fancy exploitation.

4points

Rebekah 3 years ago

Yeah, so.... no.

4points

Ten G. 3 years ago

The Bear IS a wild animal,but it does seem that the Woman is taking very good care of her. The article states that he was born in capetivdiy and couldn't survive without humans. And that he is more well fed than before.

4points

Sark Aztik 3 years ago

If anything she seems to be taking proper care of it, but she should really be trying to find a sanctuary for him to be moved to so he can be rehabilitated and learn to live like a bear. Not really about her safety but moreso the bear's. If she dies or perhaps mauled by the thing, the bear is going to likely just be killed or left to die because it has no experience in the wild.

1point

Load More Replies...

Nora Howell 3 years ago

Might be little awkward when she gets a significant other...

3points

monstakiwi 3 years ago

Why do these pics look more like engagement shots than anything else....?

2points

Elizabeth Syder 3 years ago

Terrifying… and she sleeps with him?!?!

2points

Isabela Ivan 3 years ago

Until the day she forgets to feed him.....

2points

Ann Pike 4 months ago

Well, a photo bear is ok, but he needs to be a bear. What about a husband and children for this woman?

0points

Deon Bothma 12 months ago

Most of you with your negative views are all American a**e wipes, go sniff Joe Biden, maybe you will all feel wet

0points

Renee Potter 3 years ago

Have any of you spent time with the Russian woman and the bear? Assumptions denotes ignorance.

0points

Anna R 3 years ago

Why isn't the boat weighted down more with a BEAR in it?

0points

Anya Garza 3 years ago

It takes A LOT to care for ANY pet for them to show this much affection toward you, let anole a bear. This relationship is NOT one-sided, I don’t care for all these comments! Veronica has dedicated a good portion of her life to take care of this animal, and it’s ongoing … I thinks it’s very admirable!

0points

Rachel Artist 3 years ago

This is what real L O V E looks like!

0points

John Bartholomew 3 years ago

Next time in "Bear Monthly"::When food invites you into their home.

0points

Heather G 3 years ago

Ummm... folks? Check her Instagram account. She got another bear. Hmmmm

0points

Stephanie Keith 3 years ago

The amount of ignorance in these comments. It's gotten to a point where I lie to myself and say people cannot be this stupid. Just judging and saying stuff that makes no sense. These people truly are the worst.

-1point

Trish Smith 3 years ago

I think the photos, and Archie, are beautiful!! I'm not going to get into the "correctness" of it all.

-1point

Samantha PandaNotBored 3 years ago

I need to know more. What a fabulous ending . I hope he lives a long and happy ever after life , and not be used for instants etc

-1point

54 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Viviane 3 years ago (edited)

You could get a dog that looks like a bear. It's a lot of trouble to own a wild animal: you might have to move to a place where it's allowed, research any health problems, then you'd have to get enough room and stimulation for it, food, a vet that is specialized in that species, will the animal outlive you, who can take care of it if you can't, etc. Another issue: would you be supporting unethical practices? For example, baby monkeys are taken from their captive mothers too young. If wild, the mothers and other adults are killed when they defend the baby. Zoos won't take many animals, especially primates, because those raised by human don't get along with captive primates that live in groups. Sanctuaries often have waiting lists.

1point

Load More Replies...

amisgohome 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago

Not Russophobe at all. Just phobic of people doing dumb, dangerous stuff that endangers them and the animals they 'provide for' for photoshoots. There's a lot of amazing Russian people that should be featured here. But we only get to see pretty women with dangerous-but-fluffy animals.

1point

Load More Replies...

13 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Aliquid A 3 years ago

The bear was a circus bear, then it was rescued, and now it is a circus bear again... the audience just happens to be online now.

16points

Load More Replies...

Aliquid A 3 years ago

Her motivation seems more about getting good photoshoots, rather than caring about the welfare of the animal.

36points

Troux 3 years ago

Why can't it be both? Just because she wants attention doesn't mean she starves and abuses animals.

34points

Load More Replies...

suvani subba 3 years ago

The bear is happy and healthy and doesnt seem camera shy. If the photoshoot and modelling is making money then good for her. At least he is fed and loved well by her.

13points

HoneyBun Arts 3 years ago (edited)

I have to agree. The bear needs to go to a rescue.

7points

Susan Green 3 years ago

That’s true.

2points

Michael Goldsholl 3 years ago

You are be a sad negative liberal who has no live in their heart. She doesn’t need you or your negative nothing

0points

Linda HS 3 years ago (edited)

As much as I love the fact that the bear was saved, I do not agree with this style of life for the bear. She is so much into posing and getting “likes” and so on, that I am afraid that everybody will want a bear or a lion or a tiger or something exotic to get “likes” and followers and so on…As I said, thank you for saving him, but this is just not ok.

34points

Sark Aztik 3 years ago

Most people aren't that stupid. They know bears are dangerous and steer clear of them. The situation in this article has happened on several occasions in Russia for over a decade now (at least on social media, mostly definitely longer outside of it) and a sudden "exotic pet" craze has not begun. I'm all for "do what you want if it only affects you.". If she wants to take the risk of having a bear instead of finding a more suitable home for it, that's her decision so long as she doesn't neglect it... just a very stupid one.

4points

Load More Replies...

Gabby M 3 years ago (edited)

The pictures made me uncomfortable.

19points

Rannveig Ess 3 years ago

He's not a prop for attention in your social media shoots. He belongs in a wildlife refuge where he can have stimulus that's in measure with being a bear, learn to fish and search for food (that will always be there) and play, like a bear.

18points

Sark Aztik 3 years ago

Probably the only sensible comment I've seen, although you assuming she treats it only as a prop for photoshoots is based out of ignorance as opposed to facts. You don't know how she treats it the 99% of the time she's not on camera.

5points

Load More Replies...

Enea 3 years ago

Please stop featuring posts of young women 'rescuing' exotic animals and then posing with them. This is the third post about Russian professional models, who all happen to be very experienced caretakers, and their exotic pets. It creates a dangerous precedence, and it's your responsibility to stop featuring these unlikely 'rescue' stories. There are actually institutions that work to save animals and maintain proper sanctuaries. Please feature them.

17points

Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago

Yes! Please do that, BP.

6points

Load More Replies...

Johnny 3 years ago

Well, "best friends" until some day when the bear is hungry or she does something to activate his prey drive.

14points

BluEyedSeoulite 3 years ago

If she happens to have a friend that is a photographer and they take some shots while she is playing with Archie, no harm and those are the pics I like anyway. The other super staged ones aren't great and makes Archie seem like a prop

9points

Susan Green 3 years ago

He is just a prop for her.

6points

Load More Replies...

F. H. 3 years ago

I always have doubts about these stories. It seems to be rather easy to get exotic pets in Russia and some people keep them just for the publicity. It looks like this is the case here.

8points

Sark Aztik 3 years ago

Because she has some photos with the bear and acts super serious in them? That's your logic? She doesn't live in front of the camera, so you've no idea how she treats it.

2points

Load More Replies...

Rens 3 years ago

As long as the bear is well fed and taking care of who cares whether she takes photos or not. The bear looks happy and healthy and if that has how they make good money, why not? If anybody wants to be outraged why don't they get outraged about circuses still having animals performing in them??

6points

anarkzie 3 years ago (edited)

This seems like a very one sided relationship, I don't see her trying out any bear activities in any of the photos. I want to see some photos of her salmon fishing.

5points

Zydakohdee-O 3 years ago

I just worry for the woman. Wild animals, even those born in captivity, are still wild. They still have urges and instincts of a wild animals. They weren't domesticated for centuries to have bread those urges out. This will be another travesty that we will read about a few years from now. People always seem to think "but he loves me" or " she's my bff, she wouldn't ever hurt me." Worst case is she'll survive the attack and half her face will be shredded from her head.

5points

Heather G 3 years ago

Even domesticated animals like cats will bite at you. Difference is size. You will likely only have an "ow" reaction to a cat's bite. A bear who is not bread to live with humans is going to have a very different reaction

2points

Load More Replies...

Erick Blood 3 years ago

They have a jovial relationship? Looks like to me they’re dating.

4points

FatRabbit 3 years ago

Insane. And what's the betting there's someone with a gun just out of camera range ready to put a bullet in the bear if it all goes wrong? This is still exploitation, it's just fancy exploitation.

4points

Rebekah 3 years ago

Yeah, so.... no.

4points

Ten G. 3 years ago

The Bear IS a wild animal,but it does seem that the Woman is taking very good care of her. The article states that he was born in capetivdiy and couldn't survive without humans. And that he is more well fed than before.

4points

Sark Aztik 3 years ago

If anything she seems to be taking proper care of it, but she should really be trying to find a sanctuary for him to be moved to so he can be rehabilitated and learn to live like a bear. Not really about her safety but moreso the bear's. If she dies or perhaps mauled by the thing, the bear is going to likely just be killed or left to die because it has no experience in the wild.

1point

Load More Replies...

Nora Howell 3 years ago

Might be little awkward when she gets a significant other...

3points

monstakiwi 3 years ago

Why do these pics look more like engagement shots than anything else....?

2points

Elizabeth Syder 3 years ago

Terrifying… and she sleeps with him?!?!

2points

Isabela Ivan 3 years ago

Until the day she forgets to feed him.....

2points

Ann Pike 4 months ago

Well, a photo bear is ok, but he needs to be a bear. What about a husband and children for this woman?

0points

Deon Bothma 12 months ago

Most of you with your negative views are all American a**e wipes, go sniff Joe Biden, maybe you will all feel wet

0points

Renee Potter 3 years ago

Have any of you spent time with the Russian woman and the bear? Assumptions denotes ignorance.

0points

Anna R 3 years ago

Why isn't the boat weighted down more with a BEAR in it?

0points

Anya Garza 3 years ago

It takes A LOT to care for ANY pet for them to show this much affection toward you, let anole a bear. This relationship is NOT one-sided, I don’t care for all these comments! Veronica has dedicated a good portion of her life to take care of this animal, and it’s ongoing … I thinks it’s very admirable!

0points

Rachel Artist 3 years ago

This is what real L O V E looks like!

0points

John Bartholomew 3 years ago

Next time in "Bear Monthly"::When food invites you into their home.

0points

Heather G 3 years ago

Ummm... folks? Check her Instagram account. She got another bear. Hmmmm

0points

Stephanie Keith 3 years ago

The amount of ignorance in these comments. It's gotten to a point where I lie to myself and say people cannot be this stupid. Just judging and saying stuff that makes no sense. These people truly are the worst.

-1point

Trish Smith 3 years ago

I think the photos, and Archie, are beautiful!! I'm not going to get into the "correctness" of it all.

-1point

Samantha PandaNotBored 3 years ago

I need to know more. What a fabulous ending . I hope he lives a long and happy ever after life , and not be used for instants etc

-1point

54 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Viviane 3 years ago (edited)

You could get a dog that looks like a bear. It's a lot of trouble to own a wild animal: you might have to move to a place where it's allowed, research any health problems, then you'd have to get enough room and stimulation for it, food, a vet that is specialized in that species, will the animal outlive you, who can take care of it if you can't, etc. Another issue: would you be supporting unethical practices? For example, baby monkeys are taken from their captive mothers too young. If wild, the mothers and other adults are killed when they defend the baby. Zoos won't take many animals, especially primates, because those raised by human don't get along with captive primates that live in groups. Sanctuaries often have waiting lists.

1point

Load More Replies...

amisgohome 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Marlowe Fitzpatrik 3 years ago

Not Russophobe at all. Just phobic of people doing dumb, dangerous stuff that endangers them and the animals they 'provide for' for photoshoots. There's a lot of amazing Russian people that should be featured here. But we only get to see pretty women with dangerous-but-fluffy animals.

1point

Load More Replies...

13 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Aliquid A 3 years ago

The bear was a circus bear, then it was rescued, and now it is a circus bear again... the audience just happens to be online now.

16points

Load More Replies...

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