Orphaned Black Bear Cubs Debut Columbus Zoo Ohio

Two orphaned black bear cubs, Ursula and Yzma, have made their public debut at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium after being rescued in Montana earlier this summer following their mother's euthanasia due to being deemed a public safety threat. The cubs, now weighing close to 60 pounds each, will share habitat time with the zoo's long-time black bear resident, Stevie, with a full introduction expected next spring. Named after Disney villains and inspired by mythology and Incan culture, their names symbolize strength, resilience, and beauty, while also highlighting that animals labeled as "nuisance" are often misunderstood due to human impact. The zoo emphasizes that these cubs serve as ambassadors to educate visitors on the importance of mutual respect and coexistence with wildlife, especially as many nuisance wildlife situations arise from human activity. Visitors can see the cubs in the North America Trek region on select days, and the zoo continues to provide specialized care to ensure their healthy growth and adaptation. The community has warmly welcomed the cubs, eager to learn about conservation and the challenges wildlife face due to human encroachment.