FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: April 19, 2006
Contact: Debbie Rios-Vanskike
Phone: 734-7184, ext. 1043
Email: dvanskike@sazoo-aq.org

BEAR CUB MAKES HIS DEBUT
AT THE SAN ANTONIO ZOO

San Antonio, TX – The San Antonio Zoo and Bernadette, an adult female spectacled bear, introduce their newest Zoo resident: Bernadette’s baby. The male bear cub, born on December 21, 2005, is the first birth of this species at the San Antonio Zoo in 10 years.

Spectacled bears are the only species of bear in South America and are found in Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Spectacled bears get their name from the cream color facial markings around their eyes that resemble “spectacles” or eyeglasses. They are excellent tree climbers and forage in trees for their favorite foods, which consist of fruits, plants, insects, and small mammals. Spectacled bears can live up to 15 years in the wild, and up to 25 years in captivity. It is currently estimated that fewer than 2000 spectacled bears survive in the wild. Bear cubs grow rapidly, and at three-months old, begin to be very inquisitive and follow their mother around as much as possible, and become independent by eight months.

Mother and cub were kept off exhibit for the first few months to bond until the cub grew enough to be mobile. "There is only one word for this little guy.....cute! He doesn't even know he's a rare species, the only bear native to South America, and not often bred in captivity," said Zoo Director, Steve McCusker.

The San Antonio Zoo celebrates “Bear Awareness Week” on May 14 through May 21. The Zoo is home to four bear species: the American black bear, the Asiatic black bear, the spectacled bear of South America and the brown bear commonly known as the “grizzly bear.”

For health and safety reasons, the cub will be on exhibit from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. Members of the media are invited to meet Bernadette and her cub at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 20.

The San Antonio Zoo is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for the animal and plant collections while offering a recreational and educational experience for our many visitors.  The Zoo is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and is open 365 days a year.  Gates open at 9 am and close at 5 pm and the grounds remain open until 6 pm after Labor Day.  Admission for children ages 3 – 11 is $7.  Admission for visitors ages twelve and older is $9.  Seniors over the age of 62 pay a discounted rate of $7 and children two and younger are free.

Photo Credit
Mother and bear cub climb. Courtesy of the San Antonio Zoo.