The spectacled bear is the only native bear of South America and faces significant welfare challenges in captivity due to its arboreal nature, large ranging needs, and dietary specialization.
Spectacled bear welfare in captivity requires recognition of their arboreal lifestyle — a dimension of bear welfare that is rarely addressed in exhibit design. Ground-level enclosures that do not allow climbing fail to meet a fundamental behavioral need for this species. Their dietary variety in the wild needs to be reflected in enrichment diversity in captivity. As a largely solitary species, social management must respect individual preferences and avoid forcing proximity that causes chronic stress. Their conservation significance deserves welfare standards commensurate with that importance.