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Latest Andean Bear Cub News
Nov. 15, 2023
Climbing trees, breaking branches and munching on mulberries — that’s a day in the life of our Andean bear brothers, Ian and Sean! Celebrate their first birthdays in this update from keeper Sara Colan... read more
Jun. 23, 2023
Catch up on the latest news about the Zoo's 7-month-old Andean bear cubs, Ian and Sean.
Apr. 17, 2023
There's plenty to see this summer at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Check out five amazing things you won’t want to miss during your next visit.
Apr. 06, 2023
Our Andean bear cubs have moved into the outdoor yard! Animal keeper Sara Colandrea describes how they're learning to explore their new home for the first time.
Mar. 27, 2023
Just in time for spring break, two male Andean bear cubs named Sean and Ian are now on view.
Mar. 24, 2023
Two male Andean bear cubs make their outdoor debut March 27, 2023.
Mar. 01, 2023
Just before the Andean bear cubs turned three months old, it was time for their beary first veterinary exam. Read on to find out how the exam went from animal keeper Sara Colandrea.
Jan. 25, 2023
Watch out! Our 2-month-old Andean bear cubs are on the move. Read on for the full update and to watch a clip of the cubs practicing walking.
Jan. 17, 2023
It may be cold outside, but these bear-y cute snuggles from our Andean Bear Cub Cam are sure to warm you up!
Jan. 05, 2023
Our six-week-old Andean bear cubs’ eyes have opened! While their favorite spot continues to be curled up with mother Brienne, she has also started carrying them out of the den.
Dec. 13, 2022
Brienne’s cubs are one month old on Thursday, Dec. 15. Since their birth, keepers have primarily watched mom and cubs from the Andean Bear Cub Cam. Last week, animal keeper Sara Colandrea was able to... read more
Dec. 09, 2022
Snuggle in! It's time for an Andean Bear Cub Cam moment with our 3-week-old cubs.
Dec. 02, 2022
Animal care staff are keeping a close watch on mom and babies and wanted to share some of their favorite moments with you!
Nov. 23, 2022
After an eight-year hiatus, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is celebrating the birth of two Andean bears. The cubs were born Nov. 15 to first-time parents, 3-year-old... read more
Jul. 21, 2022
Hip hip hooray, it’s Andean Bear Day! To celebrate, we're sharing some of our favorite facts about them. Boost your bear IQ and learn what makes them charming, charismatic and unique!
Dec. 04, 2020
The new bear in town is curious, daring and incredibly charming—meet Andean bear Brienne! This fall, she joined her grandmother Billie Jean and beau-to-be Quito at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Jan. 03, 2020
An update from Andean bear keeper Sara Colandrea on the latest happenings with Billie Jean and Quito.
Oct. 04, 2019
Catch up with the Zoo's Andean bears, Billie jean and Quito, with animal keeper Sara Colandrea.
Aug. 30, 2018
During your next visit to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, look up—there may be a bear in the treetops! Beorn, a 1-year-old Andean bear, joined our Zoo family this summer.
Jun. 01, 2018
When animal keepers introduced Andean bears Billie Jean and Quito earlier this spring, it seemed that love was in the air. Or, was it hormones? To discover how hormones can affect a bear’s behavior du... read more
Dec. 01, 2017
Next week, 4-year-old male Andean bear Quito will make his debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Get the scoop on the new guy in town from animal keeper Sara Colandrea and assistant curator Leigh P... read more
Apr. 14, 2017
What does it take to care for an Andean bear? In March, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) staff returned to Peru—the bears’ home turf—to share their expertise.
Oct. 24, 2016
A 23-year-old male Andean bear named Cisco died at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Oct. 24 during an emergency veterinary exam.
Jul. 01, 2016
Smithsonian's National Zoo scientists are all over the globe and, most recently, at the peaks of Machu Picchu, Peru!
Nov. 11, 2015
The Andean Bear exhibit is celebrating two very special birthdays on November 10 and 11: Mayni and Muniri are turning one year old!