Rare Andean Bear Gives Birth to Two 'Active and Vocal' Cubs at the Smithsonian's National Zoo

Animal lovers can watch the bear family bond virtually on the Washington, D.C. zoo's website until the cubs make their public debut in the spring

PHOTO: SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE
There are two new adorable baby bears at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C.

Brienne, a 3-year-old Andean bear, gave birth to the rare cubs on Nov. 15 — the first time in eight years that the National Zoo has welcomed newborns of this species. Nine-year-old Quito is the father of the baby bears.

"For a new couple like Brienne and Quito, it is great to see all of the management, science, and time that we have put into this species culminate in such a great way," said Sara Colandrea, an NZCBI animal keeper, in a release about the birth.

"We're looking forward to watching Brienne navigate motherhood and, of course, all the cute antics we're bound to see from little bear cubs!" she added.