Clear your calendars, because the Columbus Zoo has some new furry faces you’re going to want to meet.
Two orphaned black bear cubs have officially joined the Zoo family, and you’ll be able to see them in their outdoor habitat on select mornings (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 9–11 a.m. starting September 2).
The cubs’ story starts in Montana, where their mom was euthanized after being deemed a public safety risk. Instead of being left without a future, the sisters were brought to Columbus thanks to the Zoo’s partnerships with wildlife experts. Now they’ve got a permanent home, rotating habitat time with Stevie—the Zoo’s longtime black bear resident—until everyone is ready for proper introductions next spring.
So, who are these cubs? Meet Ursula and Yzma.
Ursula got her name thanks to donors Cheri and Wayne Rickert, who took inspiration from both mythology and the stars. Her name ties to Ursa Major, the Great Bear constellation, symbolizing strength and resilience.
Yzma was named by the Animal Care team. In Incan culture, her name means “beautiful flower,” but if you’re a Disney fan, you’re probably picturing the dramatic villain from The Emperor’s New Groove.
Yes, both cubs are rocking Disney villain names, but here’s the thing: villains are sometimes misunderstood, and so are a lot of wild animals. Their mom wasn’t a “bad bear”—she was just doing what bears do in a world that keeps shrinking their space. The Zoo hopes these cubs can be a reminder that coexistence is possible when we respect wildlife instead of labeling it a nuisance.
So you’ve got four chances a week to catch Ursula and Yzma being their cute, chaotic selves. Trust us—you don’t want to miss them. To plan your trip to the zoo, head over to columbuszoo.org.
