WASHINGTON (AP) - Two Andean bear cubs are set to make their public debut Saturday at the National Zoo.
The zoo says the 19-week-old male cubs have been acclimating to their yard and all the new sights and smells since early March. They've also been learning behaviors to help staff at the zoo evaluate their health.
The cubs were born at the zoo in November and were named Mayni (MY'-nee) and Muniri (moo-NEE'-ree) after a public vote. Mayni means "unique" and Muniri means "loving."
The zoo says the cubs are among just five surviving litters born in North American zoos in the past decade.
Andean bears live in the Andean region in South America and are considered a vulnerable species. The zoo says habitat destruction and wildlife tracking are their greatest threats.
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