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Latest Andean Bear Cub News

Andean bear cub Ian in a tree.
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
Two small black Andean bear cubs named Ian and Sean chew on different ends of a large strip of cardboard.
Jun. 23, 2023
Catch up on the latest news about the Zoo's 7-month-old Andean bear cubs, Ian and Sean. 
Andean bear mother Brienne and her 4-month-old cub explore their outdoor habitat on March 22, 2023.
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.
Andean bear cubs Ian and Sean explore a rock in their outdoor yard.
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.
Andean bear cubs Sean and Ian explore their outdoor habitat.
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.
An Andean bear cub stands on a table, being supported up and held by a keeper wearing a beige sweater and black thick glove. A vet, wearing a navy blue jacket and blue latex gloves, measures the cub's face with a white measuring tape. They are indoors.
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.
Andean bear Brienne sits in her den with her two cubs. Brienne is leaning over to clean one cub by her back leg. The other cub stands in front and right of her, taking a wobbly step. The den's floor is covered in hay. This photo is in black and white.
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.
Andean bear Brienne and cubs in her den.
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!
Female Andean Bear Brienne carries one of her male, 6-week-old cubs out of the den into a larger indoor area.
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.
Two 3 week old Andean bear cubs sleep on some hay. One cub "spoons" its sibling.
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
An infrared camera screen shot of a mother Andean bear with two small cubs laying in hay
Dec. 09, 2022
Snuggle in! It's time for an Andean Bear Cub Cam moment with our 3-week-old cubs.
an infrared view inside an Andean bear cub den where the mother rests on piles of hay. her cubs lay in front of her
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! 
Andean bear Brienne holds her two cubs as she reclines in her nest.
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
Andean bear Brienne on exhibit.
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!
Andean bear Brienne on exhibit.
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. 
Andean bear Billie Jean in her habitat 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. 
Andean bear Billie Jean
Oct. 04, 2019
Catch up with the Zoo's Andean bears, Billie jean and Quito, with animal keeper Sara Colandrea.
Andean Bear Beorn
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.
Andean bear Billie Jean
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
Quito at the Zoo Duisburg in Germany
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
Andean Bear in Peru
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.
Andean Bear Cisco at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
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.
Craig Saffoe, Don Neiffer and Francisco Dallmeier at Machu Picchu
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!