NYC bears moving cross town to Central Park Zoo

NEW YORK -- The Wildlife Conservation Society is welcoming two new residents at the Central Park Zoo, and they didn't travel far to get there.

Bears Betty and Veronica, who have been at the Bronx Zoo since 1995, are getting temporary new digs at the Central Park Zoo.

The Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs both zoos, says 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 is expected to open sometime in November.

And zoo visitors are in for a treat. Officials say 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, as three orphaned grizzlies rescued in Montana last year are being socialized at the Bronx Zoo to take their place.

The Bronx Zoo is currently home to four additional brown bears that arrived in 2009.