Welcome 'Obe', a rare Andean bear vital to his species' survival!
We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of a rare Andean bear as part of a special breeding programme working to protect this amazing species.
The 10-year-old male Andean bear, named Oberon (Obe), has just arrived at the zoo after being selected as the perfect genetic match for our resident female bear, 3-year-old Pacha.
We’re hoping that the duo will get along famously and go on to have cubs together in the near future, boosting the population of bears in a European-wide conservation breeding programme that’s working to safeguard the species.
Check out some highlights of Obe’s first days at the zoo, as he explores his new habitat and gets his bear-ings!
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists Andean bears as Vulnerable to Extinction, with fears they face a high risk of disappearing altogether in the wild without further conservation action. Experts estimate that fewer than 10,000 now remain as a result of deforestation, climate change and conflict with humans.
We have been working on the ground in Bolivia since 2016 to understand how Andean bears are using their changing landscape. Our extensive camera traps in the region have revealed that 30 female bears, 17 males and 13 youngsters – the southernmost population in the world – share their home with some of Bolivia’s poorest and most vulnerable rural communities.
Paul Bamford, Regional Field Programmes Manager
Paul went on to say: "When bears wander into agricultural land and damage crops or kill livestock, it can often result in conflict or retaliation from the communities, which is one of the species’ main threats. To help combat this, we have supported the economic wellbeing of local communities, helping them to generate income through a range of sustainable initiatives and addressing poverty as a driver for conflict with bears.
"Harvesting and selling honey, restoring forest habitat and training community members to monitor the bear population are just some of the initiatives that have resulted in a much more peaceful co-existence where both people and bears can thrive together."
Oberon hasn’t yet fathered any cubs, so his genetics could play an important role in the future of his species. The plan is to slowly introduce him to female Andean bear, Pacha, and hopefully they’ll hit it off and go on to have cubs together – adding a key new bloodline to the endangered species breeding programme.
Mike Jordan, Animal and Plant Director
Male Andean bear Oberon has settled in nicely since arriving here in Chester, spending his time exploring, climbing trees and checking out the sights and scents of his new home. His arrival is an exciting new chapter for Andean bears in European conservation zoos like ours
Mike Jordan, Director Animals and Plant