Andean bears are characterized by being solitary, excellent climbers, and can be active during the day and at night. Learn regarding the medical report of the spectacled bear that was born in the Medellin Conservation Park.
It happened two and a half months ago, exactly at dawn on December 21, 2022. It is something that can be described as “extraordinary”. It is not only something to admire, it is in its essence a “miracle” that was achieved thanks to clear actions for the protection of our biodiversity.
A bear cub of the species Tremarctos ornatus, commonly known as the Andean bear or spectacled bear, was born in the Medellin Conservation Parkformerly the Santa Fe Zoo, an entity dedicated to the protection of biodiversity in our territory.
His mother is a nine-year-old female. Her father, a five-year-old male. And he is a mischievous little son who has fun and plays until he can’t, while he is in the care of his mother, these days.
Still, biologists have not been able to identify their sex. He is being exclusively breastfed. But he has “stolen the show.” Everyone is stunned admiring his vitality and tenderness.
The medical report
According to the medical part of the biologists of the Conservation Park, this baby bear cub is ending its critical period. That is, his first three months of life, “in which he depends exclusively on the mother’s care and in which the probability of dying is high,” explained Jorge Aubad Echeverri, director of this place.
“His displacement, senses and behavior are normal for his age. The evaluations have been carried out remotely to avoid negatively interfering in the breeding of the specimen, therefore, once this difficult stage for its survival has been overcome, individual handling can begin, which includes medical examinations, weighing, sex verification, among others. others, to establish a more precise diagnosis of their health”, indicates the medical part shared by the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley, the environmental authority.
This is the fourth spectacled bear to live in the Conservation Park. Ana María Sánchez, Biodiversity leader of this place, explained that in the next few days it is expected that the Andean bear cub will begin to have some exploratory behaviors outside the den. And then, he will begin to try foods other than breast milk.
From the biology of the species, the Andean bear is relevant to our ecosystems because it is endemic. I mean, it’s typical of this place. It enjoys being the only bear native to South America; specifically, it is located in the tropical Andes. In Colombia, spectacled eyes live along the Andes mountain range and roam throughout that ecosystem.
“It is an umbrella species, because it allows the mechanisms of forest regeneration through the dispersal of seeds or mobilization of matter,” said biologist Ana María Sánchez.
It should be noted that currently Conservation Park there are five individuals of this species, including the parents of the newborn, however, it is categorized as a vulnerable species (VU).
What will happen to the Andean bear cub that was born in the Conservation Park?
The director of the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley, Juan David Palacio, indicated that, for now, and given the current conditions of this bear cub, it is expected that it will continue to grow in good condition.
However, it was clear that this calf is not yet planned to be released. Because? The director explains them in the video.
