MARCH MADNESS: Elite 8 with a regional site twist | UConn returns to Final Four since 2014 | VTech rolls Tennessee | Top seeds fail to advance | See photos of local teams
Live Radio

WATCH: Smithsonian’s Andean bear cubs open up their eyes

Jessica Kronzer | @kronzer_news

January 6, 2023, 9:07 AM

At six weeks old, the Andean bear cubs at the Smithsonian National Zoo in D.C. still love curling up to their mom, Brienne.

The pair were born on Nov. 15, 2022, and are the first Andean bear cubs to be born at the zoo in eight years. The zoo provided an update on the growing cubs  and their mom on Thursday.

The cubs have opened up their eyes as Brienne continues to feel out her mom role. A luxury for new-moms, the zoo said she’s even stepped away from the cubs at times to eat or use the bathroom. Brienne’s appetite has returned — which is a signal that the cubs are nursing well as the mom needs more energy.

Brienne has also ventured out of the den while carrying a cub in her mouth — which is called “scuffing.”

“However, carrying young takes practice,” animal keeper Sara Colandrea said in the release. “We have seen new mothers carry cubs by the mid-section, walk around with a cub’s whole head in her mouth and by the ear! Don’t worry – these cubs are built tough and no one is injured during this kind of learning curve.”

More Videos

Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on Twitter and Instagram to engage in conversation about this article and others.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2023 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Related News

Recommended

More from:

Animals & Pets Lifestyle News Local News Photo Galleries Washington, DC News
Andean bear cubs Jessica Kronzer smithsonian national zoo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up