Andean bear debuts at Philadelphia Zoo

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - The Philadelphia Zoo welcomes a new Andean bear and shares the news a Sloth bear is pregnant.

Joaquin, the Andean bear, was introduced to the public Thursday. He is 6' and he weighs over 300 pounds. According to Zoo officials, Andean bears are the only bears native to South America. Andean bears are listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

Joaquin comes to the Zoo from Oglebay Zoo in West Virginia. Joaquin is here on an SSP breeding recommendation.

The Philadelphia Zoo is also thrilled to announce 8-year-old Sloth bear Kayla is pregnant and she is due in a few weeks.