Bears in captivity face severe welfare challenges from bear bile farming in Asia to illegal bear-baiting practices and inadequate zoo housing.
Bile bears spend their lives in tiny cages, often in continuous pain from catheterization or surgical implants that drain bile from their gall bladders. The procedure causes chronic infection, liver cancer, and psychological trauma. Bear baiting causes severe physical injuries. Even in zoos, bears with inadequate space and enrichment develop chronic stereotypies. Sanctuaries providing large naturalistic enclosures with hibernation opportunities demonstrate that bear welfare can be achieved in captivity with appropriate resources.