Spectacled bears (Tremarctos ornatus) are the only bear species native to South America and face specific welfare challenges in captive settings across their range countries.
Spectacled bear welfare challenges are compounded by limited welfare-specific research for this species and the variable quality of facilities across South American range countries. The arboreal nature of spectacled bears makes terrestrial-only enclosures particularly inadequate - bears that evolved to climb and forage in trees need vertical complexity that many facilities lack. The solitary nature of the species means inappropriate social groupings cause chronic stress. Resource constraints in some range country facilities mean basic welfare standards may not be met. International zoo cooperation through the spectacled bear EEP (EAZA Ex-situ Programme) provides coordination but cannot compensate for local facility limitations.