Latest Andean Bear Cub News
![Andean bear cub Ian in a tree.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-11/20231107-158sb-andean-bear-ian-teaser.jpg?itok=mZN0Awnb)
Happy First Birthday, Andean Bear Cubs!
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 Colandrea.
![Two small black Andean bear cubs named Ian and Sean chew on different ends of a large strip of cardboard.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/andean-bear-cub-cardboard-2-1400x700.png?itok=WxrLS31d)
Andean Bear Cub Update: A Berry-Filled Afternoon
Catch up on the latest news about the Zoo's 7-month-old Andean bear cubs, Ian and Sean.
![March 22, 2023 | Andean bear mother Brienne and her 4-month-old cub explore their outdoor habitat. Andean bear mother Brienne and her 4-month-old cub explore their outdoor habitat on March 22, 2023.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20230322-817a1164-001rp.jpg?itok=lsx5jBYT)
What's New at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo This Summer?
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 new habitat area. Andean bear cubs Ian and Sean explore a rock in their outdoor yard.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/cubdate-april-20230322-817a1764-005rp.png?itok=luOqPzGu)
Andean Bear Cub Update: First Days Out of the Den
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/20230322-817a1715-001rp-andean-bear-sean-ian-teaser.jpg?itok=GefLjgqN)
Andean Bear Cub Brothers Now on View Outdoors at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Just in time for spring break, two male Andean bear cubs named Sean and Ian are now on view.
Media Advisory: Andean Bear Cub Brothers Now on View
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20230207-817a9002-002rp_webcrop1400x700.jpg?itok=bDh1uGPA)
Andean Bear Cub Update: The Cubs’ First Vet Exam
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/teaser_frame_cropped.jpg?itok=dM6coFXK)
Andean Bear Cub Update: First Steps, One Paw at a Time
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20230118-andean-bear-cam-brienne-cubs.jpg?itok=ibzN1cDz)
Andean Bear Cub Cam: Best Moments of the Week #3
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/2022-12-29_bringing_cub_out_of_nest_cropped_for_web.jpg?itok=N6Doarau)
Andean Bear Cub Update: Mom Knows Best
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20221206_135749_1400x700.jpg?itok=NYzAF9tc)
Andean Bear Cub Update: The Beary First Look
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 see the cubs up-close and in-person for the beary first time! Read on for the full update.
![An infrared camera screen shot of a mother Andean bear with two small cubs laying in hay](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/andean-bear-cub-cam-still_week_3_1400x700.png?itok=n-GJo3Ni)
Andean Bear Cub Cam: Best Moments of the Week #2
Snuggle in! It's time for an Andean Bear Cub Cam moment with our 3-week-old cubs.
![Andean bear Brienne on exhibit.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20201007-andeanbearbrienne-003rp.jpg?itok=Bs-q7mi3)
New at the Zoo: Meet Andean Bear Brienne
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/andean_bear_billie_jean_649a8323.jpg?itok=qCH8QtOa)
Andean Bear Update: A New Hope
An update from Andean bear keeper Sara Colandrea on the latest happenings with Billie Jean and Quito.
![Andean bear Billie Jean](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20190603_billiejean.jpg?itok=J6mo0OLY)
Andean Bear Update: Keeping Up with Quito and Billie Jean
Catch up with the Zoo's Andean bears, Billie jean and Quito, with animal keeper Sara Colandrea.
![Andean Bear Beorn](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20180825-01saracolandrea.jpg?itok=sthXLZzE)
New at the Zoo: Andean Bear Beorn
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](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/20090211-498mm.jpg?itok=UYVlIi_6)
Woo at the Zoo: Andean Bears
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 during breeding season, keeper Sara Colandrea has teamed up with Smithsonian Conservation Biology...
![Quito at the Zoo Duisburg in Germany](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/03.quito__0.jpg?itok=7FDGm6bL)
New at the Zoo: Meet Andean Bear Quito
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 Pitsko.
![Andean Bear in Peru](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/newsroom/03.peru_.jpg?itok=GzSQCmtg)
An Andean Bear Adventure (Part II)
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.
Male Andean Bear Cisco Dies at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
A 23-year-old male Andean bear named Cisco died at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo Oct. 24 during an emergency veterinary exam. In the past week, Cisco became less active and began breathing more heavily with an occasional cough. Those signs worsened over the weekend and his appetite declined, which...
Zoo to Peru: Andean Bear Adventure
Smithsonian's National Zoo scientists are all over the globe and, most recently, at the peaks of Machu Picchu, Peru! Andean bear curator Craig Saffoe, chief veterinarian Don Neiffer, and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientist Francisco Dallmeier trekked to South America to share...
Cub Q&A: Cubs Celebrate 1st Birthday
The Andean Bear exhibit is celebrating two very special birthdays on November 10 and 11: Mayni and Muniri are turning one year old! In the latest Keeper Q&A Sarah Colandrea reveals plans for a birthday bash and the cubs’ future. How are the cubs celebrating their birthdays? On November 11, our...
Cub Q&A: Cub Brothers on the Move!
Our rambunctious 5-month-old Andean bear cub brothers Mayni and Muniri are on exhibit and on the move! Curator Craig Saffoe gives an update on the cubs in the latest Q & A. What are Mayni and Muniri's favorite activities? They both seem to love climbing to the top of the Mulberry trees in the yard...
![Western lowland gorilla Mandara at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/paragraphs/single_image/20200918-roshanpatel07.jpg?itok=6IOmZHMn)
Cub Q&A: Muniri and Mayni Learn Their Names
Curious about Andean bear cubs Muniri and Mayni? Curator Craig Saffoe shares the scoop on the brothers in the latest Q&A. Check them out on exhibit every day at 10 a.m. (weather permitting). How do Muniri and Mayni's personalities differ? Muniri is the daredevil. He's more adventurous than Mayni and...
![An Andean bear walking through the snow](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/animals/andean-bear-001.jpg?itok=7CHPMHnb)
Previous Andean Bear Updates
May 10, 2015 Watch Wild Inside the National Zoo: Episode 10: Curious Cubs for awesome footage of Mayni and Muniri playing. YouTube embedded video: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/wdgRN7oGCAA March 16, 2015 Can't decide what to name our Andean bear brothers? Let this video of the cubs...