Spectacled bears are the only bear species native to South America and face welfare challenges in zoos related to their specialised habitat and behavioural needs.
Spectacled bears require complex, naturalistic enclosures with significant climbing structures, varied vegetation and opportunities to forage. Their largely vegetarian diet is easy to cater for but requires careful nutritional management. Many historical zoo enclosures did not meet the complex behavioural needs of this species, resulting in chronic stress and stereotypies. Modern accredited zoos increasingly provide large, enriched naturalistic habitats. Wild populations are declining due to deforestation, making effective captive welfare and conservation breeding increasingly important.