Baby Andean Bear is the latest new arrival at Durrell

Thursday 14 January 2016

Durrell have released video footage of their newest arrival – a baby Andean bear that’s just 11 days old.

The bear was born on 3 January, to first-time mum Bahia, a five-year-old Andean bear. It won’t be until April or May that the cub makes a public appearance, but images and video taken with special infra-red video cameras has just been released.

The cameras and a special den have been paid for through sponsorship by ABN Amro Private Banking Jersey.

Senior Mammal Keeper Jenna Hunt said: “This is the first birth of a healthy cub at Durrell for 20 years.

“This infant is a welcome addition to the European captive population for this threatened species of bear.”

Bear cub born at Durrell from Bailiwick Express on Vimeo.

Durrell have confirmed that Bahia was originally carrying two cubs, but that despite close monitoring and weekly ultrasound examinations, one did not survive.

Andean bears are also known as Spectacled bears – they are the only bear species native to South America, and they’re listed as vulnerable in the wild.

Mark Brayshaw, Head of Animal Collections said: “Although it’s still early days, the surviving cub appears to be thriving and growing stronger by the day. ”