Abbott has worked for two years at the National Zoo as a keeper for the Andean bears. Before that, that Manassas resident managed a veterinary clinic.
What is your favorite thing about working with Andean bears?
I think probably my favorite thing is training them. We train our animals here to facilitate husbandry and also to facilitate our veterinary care. … The training we do here is not necessarily for shows, but for health purposes.
How do you feel about the recent birth of the Andean cubs?
Hugely excited. It’s just been thrilling to listen to them. I was not on duty the day the first one was born, but was on duty for the second one. We’ve not actually seen them yet, we’ve just been observing them on camera. These are the first Andean bear cubs in 22 years for the zoo.
How do the cubs look at the moment?
Right now they are just wicked cute. One of them today almost got out of the nest. Another term for Andean bears is spectacled bears [because the markings around their eyes look like eyeglasses]. So this little guy got close to the camera and you could actually see the markings.
How is the mother recovering?
She is doing such a good job. … And she has just been the poster for bear mothers, she’s just been terrific.
When will you have a chance to see the cubs in person?
We’re waiting on better weather. But we will not put them on view until we’ve had a veterinary exam. So Billie Jean [the mother] will tell us when we can do that. We’ve built a pretty strong bond with her, so I’m hoping that once these guys get a little bit bigger and we work with her, it won’t be a really huge deal to separate her from them.
What can zoo-goers expect in the spring once the cubs are ready for public viewing?
It’s been my experience that [Andean bears] are very sweet animals. Our three bears all have distinct personalities. A lot depends on [the cubs’] personalities, but I would imagine visitors will have a lot of fun. I mean, there’s practically nothing cuter than a bear cub.
– Alana Goodman
