The spectacled bear is the only bear native to South America. Zoo management of this species requires understanding their unique ecology and behavioural needs.
Spectacled bear welfare in captivity is shaped by their arboreal, primarily vegetarian lifestyle that contrasts with the omnivorous diet management typical for bears in zoo settings. Their need for climbing structures is a genuine welfare requirement, not enrichment — in the wild, spectacled bears build platforms in trees and spend considerable time elevated above the ground foraging and resting. Dietary diversity, including browse from appropriate plant species and fruit variety, is important for both physical and psychological welfare. Social management requires care — spectacled bears are solitary and incompatible pairs can cause chronic stress. The conservation case for captive spectacled bears is strong given threatened wild populations and degraded Andean habitats.