Ahead of Saturday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup Final between England and Canada, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in North Somerset enlisted some unusual pundits—their spectacled bears.
Keepers set out two treat-filled boxes, one decorated with the St George’s Cross and the other with Canada’s maple leaf. After a few scrums and even some pumpkin “ball” play, the verdict was clear: the bears were backing England for victory.
The Red Roses head into the final on a record-breaking run, with captain Zoe Aldcroft leading the charge. Local fans will also be cheering for Bristol Bears stars Sarah Bern and Abbie Ward, who take the field for England.
But while the zoo’s furry forecasters bring fun to the rugby build-up, they’re also spotlighting a more serious issue. Spectacled bears—the only bear species native to South America—are under severe threat. Fewer than 2,500 adults remain in the wild, facing mounting pressures from deforestation and climate change.
Noah’s Ark is home to a family of these endangered bears: parents Madidi and Rasu, and their twin cubs Tuichi and Beni. The zoo supports the Spectacled Bear Conservation Society (SBC) in Peru, which focuses on protecting the species through habitat conservation, research, and community-led initiatives.
“Our bears might be backing England, but their greatest win is helping raise awareness for a species at risk,” said Larry Bush, Managing Director of Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. “Rugby fever is sweeping the nation, and we’ll be roaring alongside the Red Roses this weekend.”