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

SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE
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The National Zoo noted that the cubs are "active and vocal," and the zoo's staff is "cautiously optimistic" that the baby bears will continue to develop at a healthy rate.

NZCBI is monitoring the bear family through video footage to avoid interfering with Brienne's bonding time with her newborns. Keepers have observed Brienne grooming the little bears and encouraging them to nurse.

The cubs won't make their public debut at the zoo until the spring, when they are about three months old, but animal lovers can watch the bear family virtually on the National Zoo's website for now. Zookeepers will determine the sex of each cub closer to the animals' public debut.

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NZCBI is curious about what kind of personalities the little bears will develop — whether they will be more "curious and daring" like mom or "quiet and reserved" like dad.