The spectacled bear - South America's only bear species - faces welfare challenges in captivity including limited space and the near-impossibility of replicating its complex Andean forest habitat.
Spectacled bear welfare in captivity depends on exhibits that reflect their vertical, complex forest environment. Their natural climbing behaviour requires substantial structural complexity - horizontal space alone is insufficient. The species' dietary specialisation means exhibit design must allow varied foraging enrichment to occupy their highly active minds. As largely solitary animals, housing pairs requires careful management to avoid chronic stress from forced proximity. The conservation justification for captive spectacled bears is modest given no reintroduction programme exists - welfare must therefore be central to any justification for keeping this species.