They’re absolutely adorable!
Three Andean bear cubs recently outgrew Queens Zoo’s birthing den. So nowadays the two males and one female play with each other, hang out with their mother, and explore their Flushing Meadows Corona Park habitat.
Born on Jan. 3, they currently weigh about 25 pounds, but they should eventually exceed 200 pounds with six-foot frames. Editor’s note: So get there ASAP for maximum cuteness!
Click here to watch them via a 46-second video.
These toddlers actually mark a rare occurrence as the species typically only has one or two cubs at a time. Known as “spectacled” bears because the markings on their faces can resemble eyeglasses, Andeans (Tremarctos ornatus) have white-to-cream markings around their eyes, muzzle, and chest. They nest in trees for eating and sleeping.
Andeans are the only species native to South America, but fewer than 18,000 bears remain in the wild, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society, which also runs Queens Zoo. They’re classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Queens Zoo breeds Andeans as part of the Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program designed to enhance animal populations that’s accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The three cubs at Queens Zoo are the only three born in the AZA population in the past 12 months. There are 33 Andeans in AZA zoos right now.
With an entrance at 53-51 111th St., Queens Zoo is home to more than 40 species of wildlife native spread out over 18 acres. It’s open every day of the year, and admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for youngsters, and free for children. Operating hours are 10 am to 5 pm weekdays, and 10 am to 5:30 pm weekends, April through October, and 10 am to 4:30 pm daily, November through April.
Images: Queens Zoo/Terria Clay