Article by Viory
Apti Dzhamaldaev from Grozny in Russia’s Chechen Republic took in an orphaned bear cub named ‘Baloo’ – with the youngster becoming a pet and a wrestling buddy too!
Footage, filmed on January 5, shows the two grappling, while video from February shows other animals on the farm; a monkey, horses, a wolf and even a panther.
Dzhamaldaev explained that the bear cub was found at the age of two months next to its dead mother. He raised him together with a dog, who adopted him as her own puppy. Even as he grew older, Baloo continued to follow her, seeing her as a ‘foster mother’.
Baloo was particularly mischievous as a cub too.
“Someone once accidentally left the car window slightly open, and even a small gap was enough – he climbed inside and made a mess. The fishermen now joke, asking when I’ll get the cars polished after Baloo’s scratches. He was everywhere: on the roof, in the trees, throwing whatever he came across in his path. It was really hard to keep track of him,” Dzhamaldaev said.
Apti added that Baloo’s wrestling skills were learned from friends who stopped by after their own training sessions.
“When he was little, everyone used to play with him. The guys would come to him after the gym, and that’s how he got used to it. But now, I wouldn’t be able to let children in. He’s grown up and become serious. These days, he only recognises me. He gets nervous if someone else pushes or teases him,” said another local.
Baloo now weighs around 300 kilograms, but according to his owner, he still retains much of his childhood traits. He’s not fussy about his diet and particularly enjoys ice cream and carrots. Dzhamaldaev is set to expand his enclosure, given the young bear more freedom to roam.
Article by Viory
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