WHAT:         

Two male Andean bear cubs make their outdoor debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C.

WHEN:            

Monday, March 27
9 a.m.
8:45 a.m.: Media arrival and set-up

WHERE:      

Andean Bear exhibit (bottom of the Zoo between Amazonia and American Trail)
3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Note: Enter the Zoo from the Connecticut Avenue vehicle entrance; park in Parking Lot D at the bottom of the Zoo; click here for a map.

WHO:            

Craig Saffoe, curator of Great Cats, Andean Bears, Kids’ Farm and Claws & Paws Pathway
Leigh Pitsko, assistant curator of Great Cats, Andean Bears, Kids’ Farm and Claws & Paws Pathway
Sara Colandrea, animal keeper and Andean Bear Species Survival Plan coordinator

Two male Andean bear cubs born Nov. 15, 2022, at the Zoo in Washington, D.C., made their outdoor debut Thursday, March 23. These are the first cubs born to 4-year-old mother Brienne and 9-year-old father Quito. They are now on exhibit near the lower entrance to American Trail, weather permitting.

For the past four months, the public could join animal care staff in observing the mother and cubs via a live Andean Bear Cub Cam and follow along with their growth through online “cubdates.” These cubs are significant births for the population of Andean bears in human care. They are the fourth litter of cubs born at NZCBI since 2010.

RSVP: Media must RSVP to tahmasebew@si.edu or call 202-843-2958.

# # #