Patty and Willie are a pair of our Andean or “Spectacled” bears that have cohabitated in the bear exhibit here at the Houston Zoo for 25 years. Spectacled bears are the only bears found on the continent of South America and are named for the facial markings that sometimes resemble spectacles. During their years together Patty and Willie have had two sets of cubs. One set was born on Valentine’s Day in 1993! The kids now live at other zoos as part of the Houston Zoo’s participation in cooperative captive management.

Now in their twilight years, the chance of more cubs has passed for Patty and Willie but as long time companions they do not like to be separated from each other for too long. Although Patty occasionally needs some alone time, which she orchestrates by going into the moat where Willie typically doesn’t go, they can often be seen snoozing together. Patty makes wonderful fluffy nests which Willie promptly plops down in. Patty then proceeds to make an even bigger and fluffier nest for herself! It seems to be a system that works for them.

Come by the Andean bear exhibit over Valentine’s Day and congratulate Patty and Willie on 25 blissful years!

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