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Adorable Andean Bear Cubs With 'Spectacles' Can Be Seen At The Queens Zoo
By
Jen Chung
Published May 27, 2019
Modified May 27, 2019
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Julie Larsen Maher / WCS
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By
Jen Chung
Published May 27, 2019
Modified May 27, 2019
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Two four-month-old Andean bear cubs have made their debut at the Queens Zoo.
The bears, a female named Brienne (!!!!!) and a male named Benny, were born in January but have been confined to their den, to bond with their mother Nicole (their dad is Bouba). According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, "After spending several weeks in their den bonding with their mother, they have now started venturing into the zoo’s outdoor habitat. Queens Zoo animal care staff... are closely monitoring their health and development. The time the cubs spend in the outdoor habitat will vary until they become fully acclimated to it."
Andean bears, the only native-to-South America bear species, are also known as "spectacled" bears because of the light markings on their faces and around their eyes that resemble glasses. Adult male Andean bears weigh between 250-350 pounds while adult females rarely exceed 200 pounds, making them smaller relative to other bears.
You actually already know an Andean bear: London transplant Paddington Bear, who hailed from "Darkest Peru."
"These little cubs are tremendous ambassadors for their species," said Scott Silver, Queens Zoo Director. "Andean bears are rarely seen in the wild so it’s extremely special to have an opportunity to watch cubs grow. Guests will also learn about our efforts to protect Andean bears in the wild."
Look how cute they are!
Some more details from the WCS:
Andean bears are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Estimates indicate that there are fewer than 18,000 remaining in the wild. The Queens Zoo is breeding Andean bears as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative breeding program designed to enhance the genetic viability and demographic stability of animal populations in zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). There are currently only 39 Andean bears in AZA-accredited zoos and only six potentially viable breeding pairs in the SSP population. Bouba came to Queens from Bioparc de Doue la Fontaine in in France to breed with Nicole, who was born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, DC and came to the Queens Zoo in 2015. This is the second time the pair has produced offspring at the Queens Zoo, and these cubs were two of only four Andean bears born in zoos worldwide in the past year.
As it happens, the Queens Zoo, located at 53-51 111th Street in Flushing Meadow's Corona Park, is open today (and every day of the year). More details about hours and ticket prices here.
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andean bears
queens zoo
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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