The spectacled bear is the only bear native to South America and is classified as vulnerable. Its specific dietary and habitat needs require thoughtful management in zoo collections.
Spectacled bear welfare requires attention to their unique dietary specialisation and arboreal tendencies. Unlike more omnivorous bears, spectacled bears evolved to process large quantities of plant material including bromeliads and cacti, and diets that do not reflect this specialisation may cause digestive and behavioural problems. Providing climbing structures appropriate for large bears enables expression of their natural arboreal behaviour and provides important exercise and environmental complexity. Social management must account for their largely solitary nature, with careful monitoring of any paired housing. Enrichment that challenges their foraging and extractive capabilities through varied food puzzles, browse presentation, and novel food sources engages their intelligence and natural behaviour most effectively.