AssetID: 53081782
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Rare Andean Bear Oberon Moves To Chester Zoo To Find Love
Caption: Chester Zoo has announced the arrival of a rare 10-year-old male Andean bear, Oberon (affectionately known as Obe), as part of a vital breeding programme aimed at protecting this endangered species. Obe, selected for his ideal genetic compatibility, has recently joined 3-year-old female bear Pacha at the zoo, raising hopes among scientists that the pair will 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, who, while depicted in the books as hailing from a London train station, was originally from the fictional 'deepest, darkest Peru.' The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified Andean bears as vulnerable to extinction, citing concerns that they face a high risk of vanishing in the wild without immediate conservation measures. 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, expressed optimism about Obe's arrival: "Oberon has acclimated wonderfully to his new home in Chester, engaging in explorations, tree-climbing, and exploring the new environment's sights and scents." Jordan highlighted the significance of Obe's genetics, underscoring that the bear is yet to sire any cubs, making his role in the breeding programme pivotal. The zoo intends to gradually introduce Obe to female Andean bear Pacha, hoping they will form a compatible pair and eventually contribute a valuable new bloodline to the endangered species breeding initiative. 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. Paul Bamford, Regional Field Programmes Manager for the Americas at Chester Zoo, detailed their efforts in Bolivia, where Andean bears coexist with vulnerable rural communities. Bamford noted the challenges posed by bear incursions into agricultural land, which often lead to conflicts or retaliatory actions by communities. To mitigate this issue, the zoo supports local communities' economic development through sustainable initiatives, addressing poverty as a key factor contributing to bear-human conflicts. These efforts include honey harvesting, habitat restoration, and community training in bear population monitoring. Chester Zoo actively participates in the Andean Carnivore Conservation Programme in Bolivia, collaborating with local partner NGO PROMETA, the Natural History Museum Alcides d'Orbigny, and the University of Oxford to safeguard wild bears and their forest habitats. The project receives funding from the Whitley Fund For Nature, Darwin Initiative, and Tierpark Berlin. Andean bears, often referred to as 'spectacled' bears due to the circular golden markings around their eyes, have unique adaptations suited for challenging mountainous environments. These remarkable creatures possess thick, shaggy coats and powerful jaws specialized for consuming tough vegetation found in the harsh Andean climates.
Keywords: chester zoo,andean bear,animals,nature,natural world,feature,photo,video
PersonInImage: