Spectacled bears are South America's only native bear species, and their forest-specialist lifestyle creates significant welfare challenges in captive environments.
Spectacled bears in captivity face welfare challenges tied to their specialized Andean forest lifestyle. Their largely vegetarian diet — unusual among bears — requires diverse plant food provision that many zoos struggle to supply. As arboreal climbers, they need extensive vertical structure and varied terrain to express natural behavior — flat, barren enclosures cause behavioral frustration and stereotypic pacing. Spectacled bears are sensitive to heat and humidity outside their preferred cloud forest range; climate-controlled facilities are essential in warmer climates. Their solitary nature requires careful social management, as forced proximity to incompatible individuals causes chronic stress. Behavioral enrichment programs that require problem-solving to access food are particularly important for this cognitively capable species.