It’s not often that nature mimics the playground so perfectly, but a new video out of the Queens Zoo shows exactly that.
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo released a clip on Thursday capturing a candid moment between two young Andean bears who turned a simple tree branch into an impromptu seesaw.
The footage, filmed by zoo guest Ursula McDermott, shows the pair engaged in a rhythmic back-and-forth tug of war. On the right is Coya, a female approaching her second birthday, while Ransisku, a male nearing four years old, holds down the left side.
While the synchronized movement looks like a deliberate game to human observers, experts say it is just part of growing up for the arboreal species.
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“As young bears, Coya and Ransisku are curious about everything in their environment,” said Queens Zoo Director Mike Allen. “While this particular interaction with the branch is unique and fun to watch, it’s very much in line with their natural instinct to explore, climb, and test their surroundings. They’re learning about their habitat—and each other—every day.”
Andean bears are often called “spectacled bears” due to the light, glasses-like markings that often circle their eyes. They hold the distinction of being the only bear species native to South America.
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Because they spend so much time in the trees—nesting, sleeping, and looking for food—climbs like the one caught on video are second nature. Fully grown, males can weigh up to 340 pounds, while females typically top out around 200 pounds.
Beyond the viral appeal of the video, the footage highlights a species facing an uncertain future. Andean bears are currently listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Experts estimate that fewer than 18,000 remain in the wild, scattered across the Tropical Andes in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Their numbers are dropping largely due to habitat loss from deforestation and conflicts with local agriculture.
The Queens Zoo, operated by the WCS, participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Program to help maintain a healthy population for the at-risk species.
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