Grizzly Bears Betty And Veronica Moving Into New Home At Central Park Zoo

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Grizzly bears Betty and Veronica are moving into a new home.

The two bears have been at the Bronx Zoo since 1995 and will be getting new digs at the Central Park Zoo.

The Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs both zoos, said the pair will live in an exhibit that has housed the beloved polar bear Gus, who died last year. The 6,000-foot habitat is being rebuilt and expected to open sometime in November.

Zoo visitors are in for a treat. Officials said Betty and Veronica come when they're called, stand for a belly exam -- and even offer their claws for a nail trim.

Betty and Veronica will eventually be replaced. Three orphaned grizzly bear cubs rescued in Montana last year are being socialized at the Bronx Zoo to take their place.

All three cubs are female.

Two are sisters whose mother was illegally shot and the third cub was orphaned after her mother had to be euthanized.

"While we are saddened that the bears were orphaned, we are pleased WCS is able to provide a home for these beautiful animals that would not have been able to survive in the wild on their own," said Craig Piper, Director of WCS City Zoos. "We look forward to sharing their stories that will certainly endear them in the hearts of New Yorkers. Our goal is to help people better understand how to safely coexist with bears when visiting or living in bear country."

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