Andean bear News

Get ready for Valentine’s Day by learning how zoo matchmakers use science to “swipe right” for conservation.

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.

Catch up on the latest news about the Zoo's 7-month-old Andean bear cubs, Ian and Sean.

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.

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.

Just in time for spring break, two male Andean bear cubs named Sean and Ian are now on view.

Two male Andean bear cubs make their outdoor debut March 27, 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.

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.

It may be cold outside, but these bear-y cute snuggles from our Andean Bear Cub Cam are sure to warm you up!

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.

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.

Snuggle in! It's time for an Andean Bear Cub Cam moment with our 3-week-old cubs.

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.

An update from Andean bear keeper Sara Colandrea on the latest happenings with Billie Jean and Quito.

Catch up with the Zoo's Andean bears, Billie jean and Quito, with animal keeper Sara Colandrea.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...