Spectacled bears are the only surviving bear species native to South America and are kept in zoo collections globally, with welfare needs centered on their omnivorous diet, climbing requirements, and social management.
Spectacled bear welfare in zoos requires recognition of their arboreal tendencies and primarily vegetarian diet. Providing extensive climbing structures and platforms at height significantly enriches the captive environment for these skilled climbers. Their largely vegetarian diet — supplemented with occasional protein — must be carefully balanced in captivity to prevent obesity, a common problem when bears receive high-calorie foods without sufficient foraging work. Spectacled bears are generally solitary and require careful social management to prevent conflict in zoo settings. Conservation education through spectacled bear populations can highlight the Andean cloud forest ecosystem threats that are less familiar to global audiences than more charismatic conservation stories.