Chester Zoo Spectacled Bears

SMR

SMR

Well-Known Member
10+ year member
Quick report on the spectacled bears for those interested. I didn't go to take photos so apologies for these, they're rubbish, but they do illustrate Franka, the new female's exceptional markings.

spectacled-bear-67920.jpg


She's also a far more showy bear than Sangay and constantly walks around the enclosure. This may be because it's new to her, but she pays no attention whatsoever to visitors and if she's bold as a newcomer that can only be a good thing.

Not so good was that at one point while I was watching she had a right scuffle with Sangay, who chased her up one of the trees and kept biting. Keepers appeared from everywhere and it looked like a dodgy moment, but Franka held her ground and Sangay went and hid under a bush. The female then stayed up the tree for about half an hour, only to return to walking around the enclosure when Sangay disappeared.

spectacled-bear-67921.jpg


I have some video if anyone wants to see it. It should be better than the photos.
 
I thought those were terrible photos, but thanks anyway! It was pouring with rain and I wasn't paying much attention. Give me a while to edit the video and I'll upload something.
 
SMR said:
I have some video if anyone wants to see it. It should be better than the photos.
Click to expand...

I might be a bit paranoid, but it might be best not to put in public domain, it could be mis-represented and used to criticise the zoo(s).

Not being prescriptive, just a thought.

Fantastic looking bear though!
 
Last edited:
Shorts said:
I might be a bit paranoid, but it might be best not to put in public domain, it could be mis-represented and used to criticise the zoo(s).
Click to expand...
Not to worry, I didn't actually get any of the squabble, too busy hiding from the rain. The video would be just of Franka walking around. Besides, I'm a zoo supporter, except when it comes to football pitches. ;)
 
That video is really good quality. I like the choice of plants in the enclosure, the colours in autumn are amazing. Are there still coatis in the enclosure?
 
johnstoni said:
That video is really good quality. I like the choice of plants in the enclosure, the colours in autumn are amazing. Are there still coatis in the enclosure?
Click to expand...

They are still in there but are not often seen in my experience.
 
Franka is a natural ..., believe me!

I am sure that Chester Zoo will have a good candidate for successful breeding now. Sangay just needs a little time to get around ....
 
can you imagine how cute the cubs will be if franka breeds at chester!

SMR: Great video, i also love the choice of plants and foliage chosen.
 
taun said:
They are still in there but are not often seen in my experience.
Click to expand...
I don't think many people see the coatis. I was talking to a lady for about ten minutes yesterday when she suddenly pointed and said "what's that in the distance?!" The tiny speck was a coati. She asked me if there was a pathway around the back to enable a better view.

The previous coati exhibit was one of my favourites in the zoo and the animals seemed to enjoy it. I can understand the move - to create the themed enclosure - but for viewing it has been a major step backwards. I don't know why they filled in and grassed over their old enclosure either, it would've made a good home for something else, miniature monkeys or even an aviary. There was a time when it was a pond, with water fowl.

Thanks for the comments on the video. Some friends of mine visited today and neither bear put in an appearance, so maybe I was lucky.
 
Andiii said:
Beautiful looking bear, let's hope she can hold her own and history doesn't repeat itself!
Click to expand...

Basically she has moved into 'his' territory but if she knows how to back off if threatened by him while things are still a bit new, then things should be okay.
 
the old coati enclosure was great but the new one gives space and hiding places, and to see them look towards the big climbing frames ;O
 
Gosh, that's a pretty exhibit! Loved seeing the new female (we used to call them Spectacled Bears and now we are calling them Andean bears) in a tree? Does anyone know if Stephen Fry still has his foundation for the spectacled bear? Several years ago, he did a program on saving the spectacled bear and wrote a book about his experience.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top