Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) face an existential welfare and conservation crisis driven by Arctic sea ice loss from climate change. Declining sea ice reduces access to primary prey (ringed and bearded seals), causing nutritional stress, reduced body condition, and reproductive failure. Longer ice-free seasons force polar bears to fast on land for extended periods; female bears in poor condition produce fewer and less viable cubs. Climate projections suggest ice-free summers in the Arctic by 2040-2060, with catastrophic implications for polar bear welfare and survival. Captive polar bears face welfare challenges from heat stress, restricted movement, and inadequate social opportunities in most zoo environments. Conservation programmes focus on habitat protection and climate action rather than captive breeding, given the ice-dependency that cannot be replicated in captivity. Human-polar bear conflict is increasing as bears enter communities searching for food, raising welfare concerns in conflict management.