AssetID: 53101058
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Rare Andean Bear Oberon Moves To Chester Zoo To Find Love
Caption: Rare Andean Bear Oberon Moves To Chester Zoo To Find Love. Chester Zoo has announced the arrival of a rare 10-year-old male Andean bear, Oberon as part of a vital breeding programme aimed at protecting this endangered species. Oberon, Obe for short, was selected for his ideal genetic compatibility and recently joined 3-year-old female bear Pacha at the zoo raising hopes among scientists that the pair will find love and soon produce cubs, thus contributing to the preservation of the Andean bear population. The species gained global recognition through the beloved children's character Paddington Bear. In real life, these remarkable creatures possess thick, shaggy coats and powerful jaws specialized for consuming tough vegetation found in the harsh Andean climates. Yet the combined impacts of deforestation, climate change, and human conflict have led experts to estimate that fewer than 10,000 Andean bears remain . Mike Jordan, Director Animals and Plants at Chester Zoo, says: "Oberon has acclimated wonderfully to his new home in Chester, engaging in explorations tree-climbing, and exploring the new environment's sights and scents.” Andean bears are the sole bear species native to South America, inhabiting countries such as Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Research indicates that South America ranks second globally in terms of deforestation rates, with over 26,000 km² of forest (an area larger than Wales) lost to deforestation each year since 2010. However, Chester Zoo is helping fund programes to ensure they survive in the wild - in addition to allowing visitors to see this beautiful species up close.
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