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Summary of Description:
Two male Andean bear cubs, Sean and Ian, alongside their mother, Brienne, are now on view at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C. The cubs were born on November 15, 2022, and are the fourth litter of Andean bear cubs born at NZCBI since 2010. Their unique facial markings can identify them. Visitors can see the bears on the exhibit near the lower entrance to the American Trail exhibit, weather permitting.
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Introducing Sean and Ian, the Andean bear cubs at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI)
The Arrival of Sean and Ian
Just in time for spring break, animal lovers can now visit two adorable Andean bear cubs named Sean and Ian at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. The animal care team has worked with the adorable duo over the last few weeks to prepare them for their big debut.
Growth and Development of Sean and Ian
Born on November 15, 2022, Sean and Ian are the first cubs taken to their parents, Brienne and Quito. Since then, the brothers have been growing under the watchful eye of their mother and animal care staff.
Exploring the Yard
In mid-March, Ian and Sean began to explore their outdoor yard alongside their mother. Public members have enjoyed watching the bears play and dig through the live Andean Bear Cub Cam and following their growth through online “updates.”
Facial Markings of the Andean Bears
Andean bears are easy to differentiate, thanks to their unique facial markings. Ian has a triangle patch on his forehead, similar to his great-grandmother Billie Jean’s, while Sean has a hook over his right eye like his father, Quito.
Significance of Their Birth
The birth of Sean and Ian is a significant moment for the population of Andean bears in human care. They are the fourth litter of cubs born at NZCBI since 2010, highlighting the institute’s commitment to conservation efforts to protect and preserve the species.
Visit the Andean Bears at the Zoo
Visitors can see Sean and Ian, along with their mother, Brienne, and father, Quito, on exhibit near the zoo’s lower entrance to the American Trail exhibit. The bears’ availability for viewing is weather dependent, so visitors should check the zoo’s website or social media pages for updates before their visit.
In Conclusion
Sean and Ian, the Andean bear cubs, are a sight to behold. They are cute and playful and significant for the population of Andean bears in human care. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute visitors can now visit the adorable duo with their mother and father and witness their growth and development.
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Source Description
Just in time for spring break, two male Andean bear cubs named Sean and Ian are now on view at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C. Over the past few weeks, the animal care team has worked with the brothers to prepare them for the transition. In mid-March, Cubs Ian and Sean began exploring the yard alongside their mother, 4-year-old Brienne. For the past four months, public members have joined animal care staff in observing the cubs play, exploring via a live Andean Bear Cub Ca, and following along with their growth through online “updates.”
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The cubs, born November 15, 2022, are the first cubs born to Brienne and their 9-year-old father, Quito. Ian and Sean will spend the next year with Brienne as they continue to grow, and visitors can see the bears and Quito on exhibit near the lower entrance to the American Trail exhibit, weather permitting. Andean bears have unique facial markings that visitors can use to differentiate their bears. Ian has a triangle patch on his forehead, similar to his great-grandmother Billie Jean’s, while Sean has a hook over his right eye like Quito.
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Sean and Ian are more than just cute, playful cubs, though. Their births were significant for the population of Andean bears in human care; they are the fourth litter of cubs born at NZCBI since 2010.
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