Andean bears (spectacled bears) are the only bear species native to South America, with complex foraging needs that require sophisticated enrichment strategies in captivity.
Andean bears in captivity need time-consuming, cognitively engaging foraging opportunities that reflect their natural diet diversity and habitat complexity. Bears provided with enriched foraging environments show substantially reduced stereotypic behaviour and increased naturalistic activity budgets. Conservation breeding programmes for this vulnerable species must balance genetic management with high welfare standards.