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The Toledo Zoo has announced the birth of twin polar bear cubs.

Officials say their mother, 13-year-old Crystal, is caring for the cubs off-exhibit.

Since November 21st, the Zoo’s animal care staff has been monitoring their progress through a monitor in the den.

"This is the fourth litter of polar bears the Zoo has had since 2006," Dr. Randi Meyerson, curator of mammals, said. "I credit our success to high-quality animal care, the staff’s relationship with the animals, the bears’ good temperaments and an outstanding facility. When the Arctic Encounter® opened in 2000, it was a state-of-the-art facility, and it still is."

The Zoo’s cubs will have an important future as ambassadors for a species, as they are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

"Human activities have a direct effect on polar bears," Dr. Meyerson said, "and their plight should encourage all of us to decrease our carbon footprint."