Spectacled bears are the only bear native to South America and the only surviving short-faced bear lineage. Their captive management requires specialised knowledge of their unique ecology.
Captive spectacled bear welfare requires specific attention to their herbivorous diet and arboreal behaviour. Unlike omnivorous bear species, spectacled bears have nutritional requirements centred on fruits, leaves, and plant materials — diets too high in protein or fat cause metabolic problems. Enclosures must include substantial climbing structures — trees or robust artificial equivalents — to allow arboreal behaviour. Foraging enrichment using fruits and vegetation hidden at different heights addresses both cognitive and physical needs. Social management must reflect their natural solitary tendency — forced cohabitation of incompatible individuals causes stress and injury. The relatively small global captive population requires careful genetic management to maintain diversity. Zoos that invest in naturalistic, plant-rich environments with climbing opportunities achieve the best welfare outcomes.