After Hubärt’s long-time mate passed away at the ripe old age of 25, a solution was quickly sought. At Schönbrunn Zoo, Sumaco and the Schönbrunn male never really hit it off. On the recommendation of the breeding coordinator, the Andean bear is now slated to be the new mate for the Herberstein bear.

The spectacled bear was transferred to Herberstein on November 26. She was kept separate from her new partner for nearly two weeks to allow her to acclimate to both the indoor facility and the outdoor enclosure. “The introduction took place last Monday as planned. We are cautiously optimistic,” said veterinarian Dr. Reinhard Pichler, zoological director of Tierwelt Herberstein, regarding the two spectacled bears’ future life together.

They are considered highly adaptable and inhabit areas in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. 85% live in the montane rainforests on the eastern slopes of the Andes, but tropical and subtropical forests also serve as their habitat. That is why they are also called Andean bears.

Spectacled bears are classified as critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. Tierwelt Herberstein participates in a total of 22 national and international breeding programs, including one for spectacled bears. While Hubärt and Lisa never managed to have cubs, there is now a chance in the medium term for new spectacled bear offspring, which is very important for the conservation of the species.