Spectacled bears, South America's only bear species, present specific zoo welfare challenges and serve important conservation roles as ambassadors for their threatened wild populations.
Spectacled bear welfare in zoos requires understanding the species' semi-solitary nature while meeting the complex behavioral needs of an intelligent, adaptable bear. Unlike grizzly or polar bears which have received considerable zoo welfare research attention, spectacled bears are less studied in captive settings, making evidence-based management more challenging. The species' naturally varied diet of hundreds of plant species suggests complex foraging motivation that standard zoo diets poorly satisfy without extensive enrichment. Well-designed naturalistic habitats with varied substrate, climbing opportunities, water features, and extensive food enrichment can support adequate spectacled bear welfare while these animals serve their important role as conservation ambassadors for their Andean cloud forest home.