WHAT:Two male Andean bear cubs will receive their names and make their media debut; the public debut is Saturday, March 28

 

WHEN: Thursday, March 26

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

9:00 a.m.: Media arrival and set-up

 

WHERE:Andean Bear exhibit (bottom of the Zoo between Amazonia and American Trail)

3001 Connecticut Avenue N.W.

Note: Park in Parking Lot D at the bottom of the Zoo

 

WHO: Dr. Brandie Smith, associate director, Animal Care Sciences, Smithsonian's National Zoo

Leigh Pitsko, biologist, Smithsonian's National Zoo

Juan Rodriguez, animal keeper, Smithsonian's National Zoo

Luis Miguel Castilla, ambassador of Peru to the United States

 

Two male Andean bear cubs born at the Zoo Nov. 10 and 11, 2014, will make their media debut Thursday. The family's public debut will take place Saturday, March 28, at 10 a.m., weather permitting.

 

In collaboration with Univision's ¡Despierta America!, the Zoo invited the public to cast their vote for names that reflected the cultural significance of Andean bears to the Quechua and Aymara, the indigenous communities of the Andes region, the native habitat of Andean bears.

 

These cubs are significant births for the population of Andean bears in human care. They are the third litter of cubs born at the Zoo since 2010, and one of only five surviving litters born in North American zoos in the past 10 years.

 

Note: If planning to attend, RSVP to zoonj@si.edu or call 202-633-3055.

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