Spectacled bears are the only bear species native to South America and present specific welfare challenges in zoological settings due to their shy, solitary nature and arboreal tendencies.
Spectacled bear welfare in captivity requires particular attention to vertical space and foraging complexity. As an arboreal species, the absence of climbing structures — large-diameter branches, elevated platforms, and suspended feeding stations — creates a fundamental housing mismatch that drives stereotypic behaviours. Their naturally shy temperament means that visitor proximity and noise cause chronic stress without appropriate off-exhibit retreat areas. Diet diversity is a welfare requirement: spectacled bears in the wild consume over 300 plant species, and captive diets that lack variety and foraging challenge result in under-stimulation and oral stereotypies. Positive reinforcement training for voluntary veterinary participation is particularly important for this species, as stress responses to capture and restraint are significant. Breeding management under the SSP and EEP coordinates genetic diversity while managing welfare — introductions between incompatible individuals carry significant aggression risk given the solitary nature of this species.