01/06/2026
On tranquil mornings in Novosibirsk, a gentle giant settles into the passenger seat, eager for adventure. Toptyzhka, a curious Himalayan bear, doesn’t simply observe the city; he relishes the journey, playfully fiddling with his seatbelt and tapping the steering wheel lights with his nose.
For 24-year-old Veronika Dichka, these moments have nurtured a special friendship built on trust and care. When Maya Kirsanova, Toptyzhka’s owner, sought assistance, Dichka stepped in, bringing a calm confidence shaped by her experiences with bears. Instead of fear, she feels a profound sense of safety in the bear’s serene presence.
Their days extend beyond the city limits as Toptyzhka explores forests and climbs trees, relishing the open space. Yet, it’s the soothing rhythm of their car rides—the soft engine hum, the shifting landscape, and the bear’s curious gaze—that truly encapsulates the bond between them, deepening with every journey.
—[Full story in cᴑmments]👇