Spectacled bears are the only bear species native to South America, with unique behavioural and environmental needs. Their welfare in captivity requires tropical conditions, climbing structures, and complex social management.
Spectacled bear welfare in captivity requires providing conditions that reflect their arboreal, tropical, and largely solitary nature. The absence of climbing structures appropriate for a tree-climbing bear represents a significant behavioural deprivation. Dietary management must reflect frugivory rather than simply providing a generic carnivore diet — fruit diversity and quality significantly affect health and behaviour. Social management is complex: forced cohabitation of incompatible individuals causes aggression, but complete social isolation is also welfare-negative. Temperature and humidity management must replicate Andean conditions, as temperate zoo climates cause stress to this tropical specialist. The species' secretive nature means welfare problems may go undetected without careful behavioural monitoring.