Andean bear gives birth to two cubs at the National Zoo

WASHINGTON -- Smithsonian's National Zoo is celebrating the birth of two Andean bear cubs.

The cubs were born to 8-year-old Billie Jean on November 10th and 11th, the zoo said.

Cisco, a 21-year-old male bear is the father, the zoo said.

The zoo announced that an ultrasound showed the two cubs on November 6th. This is the third time Billie Jean has given birth, the zoo said.

"Billie Jean is once again proving herself to be an attentive mother," said Karen Abbott, animal keeper, in a release from the zoo.

The cubs and their mother are being monitored via a closed-circuit camera as staff allows the mother to care for her cubs without interference.

The cubs are active and vocal, leading staff to believe they will thrive, the zoo said.

The cubs are only one of four litters born in North American zoos in the past nine years, the zoo said.

Some of Billie Jean's other cubs 2-year olds Curt and Nicole, as well as Cisco can be seen near the Zoo's lower entrance to the American Trail, the zoo said.