The Smithsonian National Zoo is seeking help from public to suggest name of its two Andean bear cubs. The zoo asked public for help because the staff wants to name the cubs before unveiling them to the public on March 28.

Dennis Kelly, director of the National Zoo, said that by inviting everyone to select the cubs’ names, they hope that they would develop a connection of public with this charismatic but vulnerable species.

“Bear conservation efforts are vital for bears in their native habitats. I'm proud of our success in the past five years, which has been a combination of cooperative animals and keeper expertise”, he said.

Andean bears, which are South America’s only bear species, have been listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.

It is estimated that only 20,000 Andean bear are left in the wild. And experts said that this bear species has been facing a severe survival threat from the hit by habitat destruction and hunting.

This bear species is also called as spectacled bears, due to its unique beige markings that encircle their eyes.

The Smithsonian National Zoo’s 18-week-old male Andean bears were born to 8-years-old mother Billie Jean and 21-year-old father Cisco on November 10 and 11, 2014.

As per zoo officials, the cubs have been exploring their new compound, tussling with each other and climbing on rocks, logs and concrete walls.

Karen Abbott, animal keeper at the zoo said that it is the first time that they have had a pair of male cubs. Their interaction with one another and their mother especially is mesmerizing.

Public will enjoy watching the male cubs playing around and exploring the yard, Abbott added.

The Zoo officials said that bear fans have the time till Sunday to vote on the zoo’s website.