If there were gold medals for snoozing, Masha the bear just earned hers.
DD Animal News – The 18-year-old rescue bear, who lives at FOUR PAWS’ Bear Sanctuary Domazhyr in Ukraine, was just crowned the 2025 March Napness champion, snoozing her way into the top spot by being the last rescue bear to emerge from hibernation. She woke up on April 12, three days after her closest competitor. And for a bear who once lived in constant fear, this win means more than just extra ZZZs.
A Long Nap Worth Celebrating
March Napness is an annual lighthearted competition hosted by FOUR PAWS, where rescued bears at seven sanctuaries around the world compete for one very cozy title: the last bear to wake up from hibernation. But it’s more than just cute — it’s a symbol of healing.
Many of the sanctuary’s residents were rescued from painful pasts where hibernation wasn’t possible due to poor conditions, neglect, or abuse. Masha’s win means she finally feels safe enough to rest — and rest deeply. It also signifies that these bears are starting to embrace self-care and are starting to heal from previous unfair treatment.
From Bait to Bliss
Masha’s early life was anything but peaceful. She was kept at a hunting station where she was used as bait for training dogs. She was confined to a cage and only released to be chased and attacked. By the time she was rescued, she had lost her tail and was emotionally scarred.
“Held in a cage, she was only allowed to leave for dog fights. She lived in horrible conditions and in constant fear,” said Olya Fedoriv and Anna Klid of Bear Sanctuary Domazhyr. When she arrived in 2018, staff gave her the quiet, loving environment she needed to begin healing.
Now? Staff at the Bear Sanctuary said she feels safe in the sanctuary and knows nobody will hurt her anymore.
A Bear Bestie and a Cozy Life
Part of Masha’s comfort comes from Potap, a fellow rescue bear and her constant companion. The two are rarely apart, sharing swims, naps, and foraging time. “We can really say that this bear couple is equal and respectful to each other – truly a modern relationship model,” the staff says.
The sanctuary gives Masha plenty of space to roam and explore, but also keeps a close, gentle eye on her. Caretakers are careful to respect her boundaries and identify any potential triggers from her traumatic past.
“She needed her time to adapt to her new home and recover from past traumatic events, but now Masha has shown herself as a bear with a confident, curious personality. She enjoys sharing her enclosure with Potap and likes to swim, run, discover forest spots, and play with enrichment tools,” Fedoriv and Klid say.
Naps Through the Chaos
Not even war could interrupt the sanctuary’s dedication. When missiles struck Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Bear Sanctuary Domazhyr kept all 31 bears safe and even took in seven more from another rescue. Through fear and uncertainty, the team stayed focused on what mattered most: caring for their animals.
Today, life is calmer — and for Masha, sweeter. Her long nap and new title are a testament to how far she’s come. From bait to bear champion, Masha’s story is a heartwarming reminder of what safety, patience, and a little extra shut-eye can do.
