In 1974, in the icy wilds of Chukotka, Russia, a young, lonely polar bear cub named Masha was left to die after her mother was killed. Too weak to survive the harsh Arctic winter alone, her future looked bleak.
That is until explorer Nikolai Machulyak found her. Moved by pure kindness, Nikolai started feeding the fragile cub through the coldest months, bringing her fish, meat, and condensed milk. Under his care, Masha grew strong, and a rare, trusting bond formed between man and beast.
When spring came, Masha left and disappeared into the tundra. Nikolai thought she was gone forever. But two years later, in February 1976, she came back! Masha was now a fully grown bear, weighing 150 kilograms. Amazingly, she recognized Nikolai and fearlessly accepted his food.
The surprise didn’t end there! Soon, a much larger polar bear, named Mariya Mikhailovna, joined Masha. Whether she was a companion or a protector, this huge bear also allowed Nikolai to feed them both regularly.
Their unbelievable friendship drew visitors from everywhere. It was a true moment of wonder. However, a wild animal is always unpredictable. Concerned for his safety, Nikolai’s wife asked him to stop. He finally agreed, and the bears vanished back into the Arctic.
Their tracks faded, leaving behind an amazing mystery: did they truly remember the man who saved them? This incredible tale, later told in the 1977 story Request for Friendship, is a beautiful reminder that trust, not taming, can create the rarest connections in the silent, snowy world.
