Spectacled bears are the only bear native to South America and are highly arboreal. Their welfare in captivity depends on providing adequate climbing structures and varied foraging opportunities.
Spectacled bears in zoo settings are often housed in exhibits designed for larger, more terrestrial bear species that do not accommodate the exceptional arboreal needs of this species. An enclosure without substantial climbing structures, at-height resting platforms, and food placed at elevation fails to engage the natural movement and foraging repertoire of this tree-climbing bear. Obesity is a significant welfare problem, driven by high-calorie diets and insufficient opportunities for the energetic foraging activity that occupies wild spectacled bears for hours daily. Effective enrichment for this species must include vertical complexity, browse and natural food items that require manipulation to access, and varied substrates. Social management requires individual assessment; this species shows variable social tolerance and incompatible pairings cause significant stress.