The zoo's Andean bear habitat features a "moat rather than steel mesh outdoor habitat, which the group believes would be a more ideal environment for Ben," according to the news release.
"While we love Ben, and wish he could stay with us, our goal is to do what is best for him," said Regina Mossotti, vice president of animal care at the St. Louis Zoo, in the release. "I am so grateful for the excellent care provided to Ben by our Animal Care team here and everyone's willingness to seek opportunities for Ben to thrive."
The zoo says they consulted with members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Andean Bear Species Survival Plan, the AZA Bear Taxon Advisory Group, and the Wildlife Conservation Society's Queens Zoo to find a new home for Ben.
In the meantime, Ben is in a nonpublic portion of the zoo, according to the release. He's undergoing positive reinforcement training to help him get comfortable with his travel crate, so he has "a smooth journey to his new home in Texas."
The species' survival is threatened due to habitat loss, retaliatory killing from farmers, and illegal hunting, the organization reported.