Smithsonian National Zoo: Andean Spectacled Bears

 Bears are wonderful creatures.  Did you know that there are only 8 definitive species of Bear?  The Giant Panda is considered the furthest away from the median. The proto-species in the center belong to Polar Bears and Brown Bears.  The Andean Spectacled Bear is the next furthest out from the center after Giant Pandas.  Although it shares a characteristic with the American Black Bear, which sits next to the middle pairing.  Andean Bears are also excellent tree climbers!  Unlike American Black Bears, they take it to an extreme.  They actually build platforms up in trees for the purposes of eating and sleeping.  

Like all bears, they're curious and intelligent, and like most bears they're not aggressive.  However, in the wild they are Vulnerable to extinction thanks to their one and only predator: man.

The National Zoo has a very successful history of breeding with this species as does one of my favorite little zoos in Salisbury, Maryland; where they are currently creating a new $6,000,000 habitat to continue their participation in the Andean Spectacled Bear SSP with the AZA.  So excited for the Salisbury Zoo's initiative for this species.

At the National Zoo now are two new animals, a male and a female that are in the process of becoming acquainted.  There was a keeper present to offer information and answer questions.  I remember that the previous female, Brienne, was transferred to the Nashville Zoo for her "retirement" from the SSP program.  I can't recall what he said about the male.  I wish I had taken notes and written down their names.  I know the female is young.  The most recent incumbents were Quito and Brienne who birthed a pair of males, Ian and Sean in the autumn of 2022. 

On this very warm summer morning, the two new bears were out in adjoining WPA era habitats.  The only thing I wish they would do is add some faux tree climbing apparatus to give the bears an opportunity to hang out above the ground.

When you leave Amazonia the pathway leads directly to a pair of  circa 1930's habitats which are home to the zoo's Andean Bears.  It feels very out of the way, but it is home to a successful Species Survival Program breeding project with 4 cubs having been born since 2019.

The new Female Andean Spectacled Bear.

She is beautiful with the double cream colored "bat wing" markings on her brow.  The actual markings on the face of these bears act like finger prints for humans--every one is unique.

The male was hanging out next door.  He was clearly much larger than the female.

With the Keeper chat over, and the promise of treats gone, he quickly made up his mind to return to the quiet and cooler temps of his below habitat "cave".  I was very happy to be able to see and capture images of both.  Perhaps in another year, there will be some cubs to come and see.